| MATCHUP | Indiana State Sycamores | Bradley Braves |
|---|---|---|
| Team Records | 9-10 | 13-7 |
| Where | Carver Arena, Peoria, IL | |
| When | Wednesday, January 21, 2026 | |
| Time | 07:00 PM EST | |
| TV | ESPN+ | |
The Indiana State Sycamores and the Bradley Braves meet Wednesday in college basketball action from Carver Arena in Peoria. Here’s an Indiana State vs Bradley prediction. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best Indiana State vs Bradley pick. We will examine the recent form and player performances for both teams, as well as the recent betting trends and streaks pertaining to this matchup. As we conclude, we will tie it all together with a summary that produces a sensible pick for a favorable betting outcome in this game.
Indiana State Sycamores Betting Preview
Indiana State managed a pretty solid 7-4 opening run this year, losing to only Charlotte, duke, LA Tech and Alcorn State. The Sycamores are just 2-6 in their last eight games however, taking losses to Bradley, Illinois State, Northern Iowa, Drake, Evansville and Murray State in that time. Across their first 19 games of the season so far, that gives Indiana State a 9-10 overall record in the books.
Back on Saturday versus Murray State, the Sycamores were sitting on a 10-point deficit 47-37 at the break. Indiana State got better from there on a 44-38 advantage but it wasn’t enough in an eventual loss on the road 85-81. The Sycamores’ Camp Wagner led the team on 20 points with eight rebounds and three assists, while Ian Scott had 14 points with seven rebounds and one assist in the defeat.
Bradley Braves Betting Preview
Over on the Bradley side, they opened the season on a rocky 3-4 start, but then beat Liberty, Washington State, Northern Illinois, North Central College, Indiana State, Southern Illinois and Evansville in succession. The Braves are 3-3 since then with losses to Belmont, Murray State and Illinois State. Over 20 games so far this year, that gives the Braves a 13-7 record right now.
Matched up against Illinois State over the weekend, Bradley was in trouble at halftime with a 44-29 deficit. The Braves didn’t get any closer on a 44-33 run from there and lost the game on the road in the end 88-62. Demarion Burch was the leading team scorer on 12 points with two rebounds, while AJ Smith added 11 points with two rebounds. Jaquan Johnson put up 10 points with four assists and three rebounds as well.
Indiana State Sycamores @ Bradley Braves Betting Trends: January 21, 2026
Why the Bradley Braves will win
- Bradley has won each of its last seven games at Carver Arena against non-AP-ranked opponents.
- Indiana State has lost each of its last six road night games against the Missouri Valley Conference.
- Indiana State has lost the first half in each of its last five night games at Carver Arena against non-AP-ranked opponents.
Why the Indiana State Sycamores will win
- Indiana State has won the first half in four of its last five games against non-AP-ranked opponents.
Indiana State vs Bradley Prediction
I’ll take a stab on Indiana State I suppose, but you could call it either way. The Sycamores couldn’t handle Murray State in a road loss over the weekend despite shooting a nice 48.5 percent from the field and 50 percent (8-of-16) from 3-point range. Indiana State was out-rebounded 37-33 in the defeat but had a 44-34 edge in the paint. That gives the Sycamores four losses in the last five games however they’re still scoring pretty well.
These teams last saw each other back on December 18 in a 108-99 road win for Bradley that went to triple overtime. Indiana State shot a tepid 40 percent in that one with a 46-42 rebounding deficit, a 42-30 disadvantage in the paint and 14 turnovers. The Sycamores are really going to have to tighten up for the road rematch.