Don’t expect a high-scoring game when the Bradley Braves (3-17) travel to Wichita State to play the Shockers (13-5). The game starts at 3:00 pm ET on Saturday, Jan. 23 and will air on ES3.
The Shockers enter this game hoping for similar success after thoroughly outplaying Northern Iowa 74-55 on Wednesday. Ron Baker led all scorers on the team with 21 points on 5-for-9 shooting. The Braves are coming off a close 55-52 loss to Illinois State on Wednesday. Donte Thomas had a solid game for Bradley, recording 12 points, seven rebounds, and three steals.
Over the last five games, Fred VanVleet has been playing at a high level for the Shockers, averaging 13.4 points, 5.8 rebounds, 6.8 assists, 2.2 steals, and 1.4 three-pointers.
Half-court execution will be of utmost importance when two of the nation’s slowest-paced teams square off. Wichita State ranks 326th in possessions per game (65.7), while Bradley is 296th (66.8). Furthermore, the 351st-ranked offense of the Braves (offensive efficiency of 80.1) will face a tough test against the 27th-ranked defense of the Shockers (defensive efficiency of 94.4).
This is the second game of the year between these two teams, with the Shockers winning the first matchup 85-58. Markis McDuffie had a stellar game with 14 points, six rebounds, and one assist.
This one isn’t expected to be close when Wichita State, a substantial 29-point favorite, takes on Bradley. The Over/Under (O/U) is sitting at 118 points for this matchup. The Shockers have gone 13-5 Straight Up (SU) and 9-7 Against The Spread (ATS). Over their last 10 games, they have had success covering the spread (8-2). The Shockers, sporting the 42nd-best assist-to-turnover ratio in Division I (1.35), have proven themselves to be an extremely efficient offensive team. Turning to the defensive side, it’s been a struggle for opposing teams to score on the Shockers. The 62.3 points that Wichita State’s defense allows per game makes them the 15th-ranked defense in the country.
On the other side, Bradley has a SU record of 3-17 and an ATS record of 7-11.
Wichita State beat Bradley in their most recent meeting this season, bringing its SU record to 10-0 over Bradley in their most recent games. The Shockers also lead the matchup ATS with a record of 9-1. Wichita State topped the Braves in three key areas (field goals, rebounds, and three-pointers) one time over the last five matchups. Bradley has never had the edge in all three categories.
Predictions: SU Winner – Wich, ATS Winner – Wich, O/U – Under
Notes
Wichita State is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games.
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Wichita State’s last 6 games.
Wichita State is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home.
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Wichita State’s last 6 games at home.
Wichita State is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Bradley.
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Wichita State’s last 6 games when playing Bradley.
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Wichita State’s last 5 games when playing at home against Bradley.
Bradley averages 53.5 points per game, placing the team just 351st in the nation. Wichita State ranks 15th in points allowed, giving up 62.3 points per game.
Wichita State won its last game by a 19-point margin. In games decided by a margin of 18 points or more, Bradley is 0-10. Wichita State is 8-1 in blowouts this season.
Ranked 65th, the Wichita State Shockers have an offensive rating of 111.8. The Bradley Braves rank 179th with a defensive rating of just 102.5.
The Bradley Braves average 66.8 possessions per game and .801 points per possession. The Wichita State Shockers earn fewer possessions with 65.7, but they score more points with 1.118.
The Bradley Braves average an effective field goal percentage of 40.6% this season. The Wichita State Shockers have a winning 11-5 record in games where opponents have an eFG% of 40.6% or greater.
Wichita State ranks 42nd in the nation with an assist-to-turnover ratio of 1.35. Bradley is ranked lower at 350th with an A/TO of .48.
Bradley makes an average of 4.7 steals per game. Wichita State has a winning 9-4 record when it allows at least 4 steals.
