Drake vs Bradley Prediction 2025/01/08 College Basketball Picks

In this article, we will formulate a Drake vs Bradley prediction for this College Basketball game on Wednesday, January 8th at Carver Arena in Peoria, Illinois. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this College Basketball matchup.

Drake Bulldogs Betting Preview

The Drake Bulldogs are 12-2 (2-2) this year after they lost to Murray State by a score of 66-59 in their last game. Drake was tied at 26 at halftime, but they allowed 40 points in the second half in the loss. The Bulldogs shot 41.2% from the field, 28.6% on three-pointers, and 72.2% on free throws in the game. Isaia Howard led Drake with 13 points and six rebounds, while Bennett Stirtz added 13 points and five rebounds in the loss. 

Prior to that game, the Bulldogs lost to UIC by a score of 74-70 but did beat Belmont by a score of 65-46 before that. Drake has lost two games in a row, but they did win their first 12 games of the season. Drake has scored 72.4 points per game and they have allowed 58.2 points per game, while also averaging 31.7 rebounds and 14.6 assists per game this season. Bennett Stirtz is averaging 18.3 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 6.1 assists per game, while Daniel Abreu is averaging 11.9 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 0.9 assists per game this season. Drake is shooting 49.1% from the field, 70.5% on free throws, and 34.1% on three-pointers this year. 

Bradley Braves Betting Preview

The Bradley Braves are 13-2 (4-0) this season after they defeated Missouri State by a score of 69-60 in their last game. Bradley led 30-28 at halftime and they added 39 points in the second half in the win. The Braves shot 48.9% from the field, 35% on three-pointers, and 90% on free throws in the game. Christian Davis led Bradley with 19 points and four rebounds, while Darius Hannah added 18 points and nine rebounds in the win. 

Prior to that victory, the Braves defeated Indiana State by a score of 90-89 and Valparaiso by a score of 81-75. Bradley has won five games in a row and 12 of their last 13, and they are the only undefeated MVC team in conference play. Bradley has scored 81.6 points per game and they have allowed 68.4 points against per game, while also averaging 35.5 rebounds and 16.4 assists per game this season. Duke Deen is averaging 15.1 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game, while Zek Montgomery is averaging 13.9 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game this year. Bradley is shooting 49.4% from the field, 76.5% on free throws, and 42.9% on three-pointers this season. 

Why Bradley will beat Drake

• Bradley has won each of its last 17 night games against Conference opponents at Carver Arena.
• Drake has lost three of its last four night games at Carver Arena.
• Drake has lost the first half in three of its last four games at Carver Arena against non-AP-ranked opponents.

Total Points Facts

• Each of Bradley’s last 18 games against non-AP-ranked opponents has produced a total of 129+ points.
• Twenty-three of Drake’s last 24 night games against Conference opponents have produced a total of 127+ points.

Drake vs Bradley Prediction 

Bradley comes into this matchup with the home-court advantage and they are the only remaining undefeated team in the MVC. The Braves have survived two overtime games against Indiana State and Valparaiso, and they are shooting 49.4% from the field this year. Drake is on a two-game losing streak after dropping games against UIC and Murray State, but they did start the season with 12 straight wins. The Bulldogs are shooting 49.1% from the field, but their defense has been one of the best in the country, as they are allowing just 58.2 points against per game this season. This should be a great game between two of the better teams in the MVC and even though Bradley has been fortunate to survive a couple of overtime games, I am taking them here. I don’t like what I have seen from Drake in their last two games and have to fade them on the road. Take Bradley to win.