Bradley Braves vs Murray State Racers NCAA Basketball Betting Pick & Prediction 1/18/25
Looking to win big? The Braves and Racers face off at 4:00 ET on ESPN+. The Racers are hosting the game at CFSB Center in Murray, KY. Bradley is favored by -1.5 in this Missouri Valley conference contest against Murray State. The game’s over/under currently sits at 137.5 points.
BRADLEY BRAVES VS MURRAY STATE RACERS BETTING PICK
The Pick: Murray State Racers +1.5
This game will be played at CFSB Center at 4:00 ET on Saturday, January 18th.
WHY BET THE MURRAY STATE RACERS:
- We have this one finishing with a projected score of 76-70 in favor of the Racers.
- Not only will Murray State pick up the win, but look for them to cover at +1.5.
- The over/under is currently sitting at 137.5 points, and we like the over with a projected 146 points.
Do the Braves Have What it Takes to Win as Road Favorites?
Bradley improved to 14-3 on the season with a dominant 118-65 win over Indiana State on Wednesday. The Braves, who were -8.5 favorites, covered the spread with ease. The game’s total points of 183 went over the pre-game O/U line of 154.5.
Bradley took control early, leading 66-33 at halftime. They continued their strong play in the second half, scoring 52 points while holding Indiana State to 32.
Bradley’s offense was firing on all cylinders in their last game, putting up 118 points with a field goal percentage of 55.6%. They connected on 70.6% of their two-point attempts and hit 16 threes at a 42.1% clip, leading to an effective field goal percentage of 66.7%. The Braves were also strong from the free-throw line, making 22 of 25 attempts (88%).
Connor Dillon led the way with 20 points in 20 minutes, hitting 5 of 7 threes and shooting 75% overall. Zek Montgomery and Jaquan Johnson each added 17 points, with Johnson also shooting 75% from the field. The Braves dished out 27 assists and grabbed 13 offensive rebounds in the win.
Bradley struggled defensively, giving up 65 points while allowing their opponent to shoot 55% from the field. They had trouble containing two-point shots, with the other team hitting 70% of their attempts, going 24/34.
From beyond the arc, Bradley’s defense allowed 16 threes on 38 attempts, a 42% success rate. They also sent their opponent to the free-throw line 25 times, where they converted 22 of those for 88%. The Braves gave up 13 offensive rebounds in the game.
Does Murray State Stand a Chance at Home?
Murray State Racers Recent Game/Games
The Racers fell to 9-8 on the season after a 97-93 loss to UIC on Wednesday. Murray State, who entered the game as +3.5 point underdogs, not only lost but also failed to cover the spread. The game’s total points reached 190, well over the pre-game O/U line of 138.5.
Murray State led 36-33 at halftime but couldn’t hold on, as they allowed 43 points in the 2nd half while scoring 40 of their own.
Murray State put up 93 points in their last game, shooting 40% from the field and 30% from three-point range, hitting 9 of 30 attempts. Their effective field goal percentage was 45%, and they were strong from the free-throw line, making 20 of 25 attempts for 80%.
The Racers dominated the offensive glass with 16 rebounds and dished out 23 assists. Javon Jackson led the way with 30 points, shooting 60% overall and 37.5% from deep, while Alden Applewhite added 22 points, hitting 3 of 8 from beyond the arc.
Despite giving up 97 points, Murray State’s defense couldn’t contain their opponent, who shot 55% from the field. They allowed 35 field goals on 63 attempts.
Inside the arc, the Racers gave up 26 two-point baskets on 41 attempts, a 63% shooting rate. From three-point range, their opponent hit 9 of 22 shots, shooting 40%.