Buffalo Bulls vs Western Michigan Broncos NCAA Basketball Betting Pick & Prediction 1/18/25
Planning on watching today’s Bulls and Broncos game? Catch the action at University Arena (MI) in Kalamazoo, MI, as the Broncos hosts this showdown at 1:00 ET on ESPN+. The over/under line for this matchup is currently at 152.5 points, and Western Michigan is favored by -8.5 to win at home against Buffalo.
BUFFALO BULLS VS WESTERN MICHIGAN BRONCOS BETTING PICK
The Pick: Buffalo Bulls +8.5
This game will be played at University Arena (MI) at 1:00 ET on Saturday, January 18th.
WHY BET THE BUFFALO BULLS:
- We have this one finishing with a projected score of 76-71 in favor of the Broncos.
- Even though we have Western Michigan winning straight-up, we like Buffalo at +8.5.
- The over/under is currently sitting at 152.5 points, and we like the under with a projected 147 points.
Do the Bulls Stand a Chance in Kalamazoo?
Buffalo Bulls Recent Game/Games
The Bulls fell to 3-11 on the season after a 79-61 road loss to Bowling Green on Tuesday. Buffalo, who entered the game as +8 point underdogs, failed to cover the spread. The total points for the game were 140, falling short of the O/U line of 157.5.
Buffalo trailed 32-28 at halftime but struggled defensively in the 2nd half, allowing 47 points while scoring 33.
Buffalo’s offense struggled in their latest game, shooting just 32.2% from the field and 21.2% from beyond the arc, hitting 7 of 33 attempts. Their effective field goal percentage was 37.3%, but they did manage to connect on 84.2% of their free throws, going 16 for 19 from the line.
Trey Thomas led the Bulls with 22 points, hitting 3 of 8 from deep, while Marcus Johnson added 21 points and 9 rebounds, shooting 50% overall and 42.9% from three. Buffalo had just 9 assists as a team and grabbed 10 offensive rebounds.
Despite Buffalo’s defensive efforts, they allowed 79 points in this game. The Bulls gave up 41% shooting from the field, with the opposing team hitting 22 of their 53 attempts.
Buffalo’s defense allowed 14 two-point baskets on 29 attempts (48%) and 8 threes on 24 attempts (33%). They also sent the other team to the line 36 times, where they made 27 free throws (75%).
Can Western Michigan Pull Off a Home Win?
Western Michigan Broncos Recent Game/Games
Western Michigan improved to 3-12 on the season with a 94-83 road win over Kent State on Tuesday. The Broncos entered the game as +13 point underdogs but pulled off the upset and covered the spread.
Leading 46-40 at halftime, Western Michigan scored 48 points in the 2nd half while allowing 43. The total points for the game reached 177, surpassing the O/U line of 139.5.
Western Michigan put up 94 points in their last game, shooting 51.7% from the field and 55.2% in effective field goal percentage. They hit 57.8% of their two-point shots, while going just 4-for-13 (30.8%) from beyond the arc. At the free-throw line, the Broncos connected on 30 of 41 attempts, good for 73.2%.
Jalen Sullinger led the way with 32 points, hitting 8 of 12 threes and shooting 52.6% overall. JaVaughn Hannah and Cli’Ron Hornbeak were efficient inside, with Hannah shooting 88.9% and Hornbeak 77.8%. Chansey Willis Jr. dished out 7 assists, adding 16 points despite shooting 33.3% from the field.
Western Michigan’s defense struggled in their last game, giving up 83 points on 47% shooting from the field. They allowed their opponent to hit 60% of their two-point attempts, with 21 makes on 35 tries.
From beyond the arc, Western Michigan’s opponent shot 32%, connecting on 9 of 28 three-point attempts. The Broncos also sent them to the free-throw line 17 times, where they made 14, shooting 82%. Western Michigan gave up 10 offensive rebounds.