Dayton vs Bradley Prediction 3/18/2026 Today’s College Basketball Picks

In this article, we will formulate a Dayton vs Bradley Prediction for this NIT 1st Round matchup on Wednesday, March 18th. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this college basketball matchup.

Bradley Braves Preview

The Bradley Braves have a 21-12 overall record and a 13-7 record in the MVC conference. They are coming off a 73-69 loss against Northern Iowa and their previous three games were a 90-84 win against Valparaiso, an 87-78 win against Murray State and a 93-86 loss against UIC.

Offensively, Bradley averages 77.6 points per game, while allowing 71.5 points per game defensively. The Braves shoot with 44% from the field and grab 34.3 rebounds per game, while dishing out 13.4 assists per game. They average 3.1 blocks per game and 8 steals per game defensively.

Jaquan Johnson leads Bradley in scoring, with an average of 17.1 points per game, while shooting with 43% from the field and 78.9% from the free throw line, adding a team-high 3.6 assists. Ahmet Jonovic is the team’s leading rebounder with 5.4 per game. The winner will face UNC Wilmington or Yale. 

Dayton Flyers Preview

The Dayton Flyers have a 23-11 overall record and a 12-6 record in the A-10 conference. They are coming off a 70-62 loss against VCU and their previous three games were a 70-69 win against Saint Louis, a 68-63 win against St. Bonaventure and a 68-62 loss against VCU.

Offensively, Dayton averages 74.4 points per game, while allowing 70.2 points per game defensively. The Flyers shoot with 45% from the field and grab 32.9 rebounds per game, while dishing out 14.3 assists per game. They average 4 blocks per game and 8.4 steals per game defensively.

Javon Bennett leads Dayton in scoring, with an average of 16.2 points per game, while shooting with 39.2% from the field and 90% from the free throw line, adding a team-high 3 assists. Amaël L’Etang is the team’s leading rebounder with 5.8 per game.

Dayton Flyers @ Bradley Braves Betting Trends: March 18, 2026

Why the Bradley Braves will win

• Bradley has won 12 of its last 13 games at Carver Arena.
• Dayton has lost three of its last four away games when playing with a rest disadvantage.
• Bradley has won the first half in 21 of its last 26 games against non-Conference opponents at Carver Arena.

Why the Dayton Flyers will win

• Dayton has won each of its last seven Wednesday games against non-Conference opponents.
• Dayton has won the first half in each of its last seven night games against non-Conference opponents.

Total Points Facts

• Each of Dayton’s last seven games have produced a total of 139 or fewer points.
• Each of Bradley’s last four games against the Atlantic 10 Conference Conference have produced a total of 142 or fewer points.

Matchup/League Facts

• Bradley ranks 10th among Division 1 teams for opponent steals per game this season (4.9).
• Bradley ranks 20th among Division 1 teams for turnover percentage this season (12.2%).
• Dayton ranks 16th among Division 1 teams for opponent turnovers per game this season (14.9).
• Dayton ranks 16th among Division 1 teams for opponent assist to turnover ratio this season (0.83).

Dayton vs Bradley Prediction

In this Dayton vs Bradley Prediction, Dayton is coming as -2 favorites. Dayton has a slightly better record both overall and against the spread and have been in better shape lately, as they are 8-2 in their last 10 games but 1-4 against the spread in their last 5. On the flip side, Bradley is just 3-3 in its last 6 games and its defense has been struggling, having allowed 78+ points in three of its last four matches, while Dayton has been playing elite defense lately. Take Dayton and lay the -2 in this one.

Nikos Lagouretos's Pick: Dayton -2