Drake vs Valparaiso Prediction College Basketball Picks 12/5/24

In this article, we will formulate a Drake vs Valparaiso prediction for this College Basketball game on Thursday, December 5th at the Athletics-Recreation Center in Valparaiso, Indiana. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this College Basketball matchup.

Drake Bulldogs Betting Preview

The Drake Bulldogs are 7-0 this year after they defeated Georgia Southern by a score of 61-47 in their last game. Drake led 29-23 at halftime and was able to pull away in the second-half in the win. The Bulldogs shot 39.2% from the field, 28.6% on three-pointers, and 68.2% on free throws in the game. Daniel Abreu led Drake with 15 points and seven rebounds in the win. 

Prior to that game, the Bulldogs defeated Vanderbilt by a score of 81-70 and FAU by a score of 75-63. Drake has scored 74.1 points per game and they have allowed 57.4 points per game, while also averaging 33.1 rebounds and 15.4 assists per game this season. Bennett Stirtz is averaging 17.3 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 6.3 assists per game, while Drake is shooting 47.5% from the field, 72.7% on free throws, and 35.3% on three-pointers this year. 

Valparaiso Beacons Betting Preview

The Valparaiso Beacons are 4-3 this season after they lost to DePaul by a score of 89-70 in their last game. Valparaiso trailed 42-29 at halftime and allowed 47 points in the second half in the loss. The Beacons shot 41.5% from the field, 34.6% on three-pointers, and 63.6% on free throws in the game. Cooper Schwieger led Valparaiso with 19 points and eight rebounds in the game. 

Prior to that loss, the Beacons won three games in a row against Northern Illinois, Eastern Illinois, and Lindenwood. Valparaiso has scored 79.4 points per game and they have allowed 70.3 points per game, while also averaging 39.1 rebounds and 14.1 assists per game this season. Cooper Schwieger is averaging 13.1 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per game, while Valpo is shooting 43.3% from the field, 82.1% on free throws, and 31% on three-pointers this year. 

Why Drake will beat Valparaiso

• Valparaiso has lost each of its last 14 night games against Conference opponents.
• Drake has won 17 of its last 18 games against non-AP-ranked opponents.
• Drake has won the first half in each of its last four games.

Drake vs Valparaiso Prediction 

Drake comes into this matchup with an undefeated record through seven games and they already have wins over Miami and Vanderbilt. Drake has been pretty solid on offense, but their defense has been elite, as they are allowing just 57.4 points per game this year. Valparaiso has won three of their last four games, but they just lost by 19 points against DePaul last time out. The Beacons are only shooting 43% from the field and I think we are in for another low-scoring game. Take the under here. 

David Racey's Pick: Under 137.5