Bradley Braves vs UIC Flames NCAA Basketball Betting Pick & Prediction 1/11/25
Don’t miss out on the NCAA showdown between the Braves and Flames. The game is starting at 3:00 ET on ESPN+, and it’s hosted by the Flames at Credit Union 1 Arena in Chicago, IL. Get ready to place your bets! Bradley is favored by -2.5 in this Missouri Valley conference matchup the against UIC. The over/under for the game is set at 143.5 points.
BRADLEY BRAVES VS UIC FLAMES BETTING PICK
The Pick: UIC Flames +2.5
This game will be played at Credit Union 1 Arena at 3:00 ET on Saturday, January 11th.
WHY BET THE UIC FLAMES:
- We have this one finishing with a projected score of 77-69 in favor of the Flames.
- Not only will UIC pick up the win, but look for them to cover at +2.5.
- The over/under is currently sitting at 143.5 points, and we like the over with a projected 146 points.
Can the Braves Pull Off a Win at Chicago?
Bradley Braves Recent Game/Games
Bradley’s season record dropped to 12-3 after a 64-57 home loss to Drake on Wednesday. The Braves, who were -1.5 favorites, failed to cover the spread. The game’s total points of 121 fell short of the 126.5 O/U line.
After a 31-31 tie at halftime, Bradley struggled in the 2nd half, scoring just 26 points while allowing 33.
Bradley managed just 57 points in their last game, shooting 44.4% from the field. Their effective field goal percentage was 48.9%, with a strong 60% on two-pointers (15/25) but only 25% from beyond the arc (5/20). They hit 80% of their free throws, going 12/15 from the line.
The Braves had 8 assists and 7 offensive rebounds. Tavion Banks led the way with 19 points and 7 rebounds, shooting 60% from the field. Zek Montgomery added 17 points, though he missed all 5 of his three-point attempts. Darius Hannah was perfect from deep, hitting 2/2 threes and finishing with 14 points on 71.4% shooting overall.
Bradley’s defense gave up 64 points in their last game, with the opposing team shooting 44% from the field. They allowed 15 two-point baskets on 25 attempts, a 60% success rate.
From beyond the arc, the opposition hit 5 of 20 threes, shooting 25%. Bradley also sent them to the line 15 times, where they made 12 free throws, good for 80%. The Braves gave up 7 offensive rebounds.
Taking a Look at the Flames Chances at Home
UIC improved to 8-5 on the season with an 80-63 road win over Missouri State on Tuesday. The Flames entered the game as +2.5 point underdogs but covered the spread with the victory.
UIC led 36-27 at halftime and added 44 points in the second half while allowing 36. The total points for the game were 143, surpassing the pre-game over/under line of 138.5.
UIC’s offense was firing on all cylinders in their last game, putting up 80 points while shooting 59.3% from the field. Their effective field goal percentage was an impressive 70.4%, thanks in part to their 55% shooting from beyond the arc, hitting 11 of 20 attempts.
Filip Skobalj was perfect from deep, going 5-for-5 on threes and 6-for-6 overall, finishing with 17 points. Tyem Freeman and Zaxton King also contributed 17 points, with Freeman adding 5 rebounds and 4 assists.
UIC’s defense gave up 63 points, with the opposing team shooting 45% from the field, converting 22 of their 48 attempts. Inside the arc, they went 16/32, hitting 50% of their two-point shots.
From three-point range, the opposition shot 37%, making 6 of 16 attempts. UIC also sent them to the free-throw line 15 times, where they hit 13 free throws, an 86% success rate. The Flames limited them to just 3 offensive rebounds.