It will be a battle between MVC opponents when the Bradley Braves (9-10, 1-5 MVC) welcome the Illinois State Redbirds (11-8, 4-2 MVC) to Carver Arena. The game is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. ET on Wednesday, January 23, 2019.
Illinois State Redbirds vs. Bradley Braves Free Prediction
The Redbirds will be looking for a similar result after defeating the Evansville Aces in their last game, 78-70. Illinois State’s effective field goal percentage was their biggest advantage over Evansville. The Redbirds had a rate of 0.615 (above their season average of 0.502), while the Aces posted a mark of 0.482. With 27 points on 11-for-19 shooting, Milik Yarbrough was the game’s high scorer.
In the Braves’ last outing, they barely escaped the Southern Illinois Salukis, 57-54. Bradley out-rebounded Southern Illinois. The Braves had 13 offensive rebounds and 40 total rebounds, while the Salukis had seven and 31, respectively. With 12 points and seven rebounds, Bradley’s Elijah Childs had a solid outing.
After splitting two games last season, these teams will meet for the first time this year. The Braves won the most recent game 70-58. The Braves’ offensive rebounding percentage was their biggest advantage over the Redbirds. Bradley had a rate of 39.5, while Illinois State posted a mark of 26.8.
The aggressive Bradley offense might be getting to the free throw line a lot in this matchup. The Braves rank 60th in the NCAA with a free throw attempt (FTA) rate of 0.276, while Illinois State ranks 203rd in FTA rate allowed (0.236).
Illinois State Redbirds vs. Bradley Braves ATS Pick
Basketball Prediction: SU Winner – Bradley, ATS Winner – Bradley, O/U – Under
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Notes
Betting Notes:
Illinois State ranks 109th in three pointers attempted per game (23.8) while Bradley ranks 256th (18.9).
The Redbirds rank 73rd in assists per game (14.9) while the Braves rank 123rd in assists allowed per game (13.1).
Illinois State allows the eighth-fewest blocks per game (2.1) while Bradley ranks 40th (2.7).
The Braves rank 94th in steals per game (6.8) while the Redbirds rank 104th in steals allowed per game (6.4).
Bettings Trends:
The Redbirds have outscored opponents by an average of 3.8 points in their last five games. On the season, Illinois State has been defeated by an average of 0.6 points.
During their last five games, the Braves have scored an average of 56.6 points per game (9.5 below their season average) and allowed an average of 63.6 points per game (3.0 below their season average).
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