Belmont vs Drake Prediction College Basketball Picks 12/29/24

In this article, we will formulate a Belmont vs Drake prediction for this College Basketball game on Sunday, December 29th at the Knapp Center in Des Moines, Iowa. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this College Basketball matchup.

Belmont Bruins Betting Preview

The Belmont Bruins are 9-3 (1-0) this year after they lost to UC Irvine by a score of 92-84 in their last game. Belmont led 39-25 at halftime, but they allowed 67 points in the second half in the loss. The Bruins shot 46.4% from the field, 39.5% on three-pointers, and 62.5% on free throws in the game. Carter Whitt led Belmont with 25 points and nine assists in the game. 

Prior to that loss, the Bruins won five games in a row and they scored at least 82 points in those five wins. Belmont has scored 84.1 points per game and they have allowed 78.9 points per game, while also averaging 35.8 rebounds and 18.3 assists per game this season. Jonathan Pierre is averaging 13.0 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game, while Belmont is shooting 48.3% from the field, 71.1% on free throws, and 38.1% on three-pointers this year. Belmont will meet Northern Iowa after this game.

Drake Bulldogs Betting Preview

The Drake Bulldogs are 11-0 (1-0) this season after they defeated Green Bay by a score of 72-62 in their last game. Drake led 40-32 at halftime and was able to maintain that lead in the second half in the win. The Bulldogs shot 50% from the field, 15.8% on three-pointers, and 59.1% on free throws in the game. Isaiah Jackson led Drake with 21 points and 12 rebounds in the game. 

Prior to that win, the Bulldogs won their first 10 games of the season, including wins over Miami, Vanderbilt, and Kansas State. Drake has scored 74.5 points per game and they have allowed 57.2 points per game, while also averaging 32.9 rebounds and 15.1 assists per game this season. Bennett Stirtz is averaging 17.5 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 5.9 assists per game, while Drake is shooting 50% from the field, 70.2% on free throws, and 34.8% on three-pointers this year. 

Why Drake will beat Belmont

• Drake has won each of its last 27 games at Knapp Center against non-AP-ranked opponents.

Belmont vs Drake Prediction 

Drake comes into this matchup trying to stay undefeated on the season and they will be at home for this game. The Bulldogs are shooting 50% from the field and their defense has been very good, as they are allowing just 57.2 points per game this year. Belmont has three losses against UC Irvine, Furman, and Loyola Marymount, but they are scoring over 84 points per game this year. The Bruins are not very good on defense, which we saw in their second-half collapse against UC Irvine, and I think that will be the difference. Take Drake to cover at home. 

David Racey's Pick: Drake -9