Drake Bulldogs vs Bradley Braves NCAA Basketball Betting Pick & Prediction 1/8/25
Looking to win big? The Bulldogs and Braves face off at 7:00 ET on CBSS. The Braves are hosting the game at Carver Arena in Peoria, IL. The odds for this Missouri Valley conference game currently have Bradley as the -2.5 point favorite with the over/under line sitting at 126.5 points.
DRAKE BULLDOGS VS BRADLEY BRAVES BETTING PICK
The Pick: Bradley Braves -2.5
This game will be played at Carver Arena at 7:00 ET on Wednesday, January 8th.
WHY BET THE BRADLEY BRAVES:
- We have this one finishing with a projected score of 78-69 in favor of the Braves.
- Not only will Bradley pick up the win, but look for them to cover at -2.5.
- The over/under is currently sitting at 126.5 points, and we like the over with a projected 147 points.
Are the Bulldogs Ready for a Win at Peoria?
Drake fell to 10-2 on the season after a 66-59 loss to Murray State on Sunday. The Bulldogs, who were -10 favorites at home, not only lost but also failed to cover the spread. The game’s total points (125) narrowly missed the O/U line of 125.5.
Drake was tied 26-26 at halftime but allowed 40 points in the 2nd half while scoring 33. This defensive lapse was a key factor in their loss.
Drake’s offense struggled in their last game, putting up just 59 points with a field goal percentage of 41.2% and an effective field goal percentage of 45.1%. They hit only 4 of 14 from beyond the arc, shooting 28.6% from three-point range, while connecting on 72.2% of their free throws.
Terence Harcum led the way with 20 points, hitting 4 of 7 from deep. Kylen Milton added 15 points, shooting 71.4% overall and 66.7% from three. Isaia Howard was efficient as well, shooting 75% from the field and perfect from three-point range.
Drake’s defense held their opponent to 66 points on 41% shooting from the field, including 45% on two-point attempts (17/37). They also limited three-point damage, with their opponent hitting just 4 of 14 from beyond the arc, or 28%.
At the free-throw line, Drake’s opponent shot 72%, making 13 of 18 attempts. The Bulldogs gave up 9 offensive rebounds in the game.
Will the Braves Make it Happen at Home?
Bradley Braves Recent Game/Games
Bradley improved to 12-2 on the season with a 69-60 win over Missouri State on Saturday. The Braves were at home and entered the game as -11.5 favorites.
Bradley led 30-28 at halftime and pulled away in the 2nd half, outscoring Missouri State 39-32. Despite the win, they didn’t cover the spread, and the game’s total points of 129 fell short of the O/U line of 134.5.
Bradley put up 69 points in their latest game, shooting 48.9% from the field with an effective field goal percentage of 57.8%. They hit 60% of their two-point attempts and 35% from beyond the arc, while knocking down 90% of their free throws, going 18-for-20 at the line.
Vincent Brady II led the way with 29 points and 8 rebounds, shooting 57.1% overall, though he was just 3-for-10 from three. Christian Davis was perfect from the field, hitting all 6 of his shots, including 2-for-2 from deep, finishing with 19 points and 3 assists. Darius Hannah added 18 points and 9 rebounds, shooting 70% from the floor.
Bradley’s defense gave up 60 points while allowing the opposition to shoot 48% from the field. They struggled to contain two-point shots, with opponents hitting 60% of their attempts (15/25).
From beyond the arc, Bradley allowed 7 threes on 20 attempts, a 35% shooting rate. The Braves also sent the other team to the line 20 times, where they converted 18 free throws, shooting 90%. Defensively, Bradley allowed 9 offensive rebounds.