The Bradley Braves (8-7, 0-2 MVC) will be at the Athletics-Recreation Center to challenge the Valparaiso Crusaders (9-6, 2-0 MVC) in a MVC matchup. The game is scheduled to start at 8 p.m. ET on Tuesday, January 8, 2019.
Bradley Braves at Valparaiso Crusaders Betting Odds
Both teams were triumphant in their last game. The Crusaders had no trouble getting past the Concordia University (IL) Cougars 121-65, while the Braves defeated the Wisconsin-Parkside Rangers 74-58.
Bradley played a nearly perfect game. They had a free throw rate of 0.175 and an offensive rebounding percentage of 47.1. Wisconsin-Parkside put up marks of 0.074 and 20.6, respectively, for those same stats. Valparaiso, on the other hand, dominated every stat category in their game. They had a free throw rate of 0.424 and an effective field goal percentage of 0.705. For those same stats, Concordia University (IL) recorded marks of 0.151 and 0.370, respectively. Javon Freeman-Liberty led the way for Valparaiso, finishing with 22 points. Bradley, meanwhile, was lifted by Elijah Childs, who recorded 17 points and eight rebounds.
This was a highly contested series last year. Each won one of the two games played against each other last season. The Crusaders won the last game 77-64. Valparaiso made good use of their 28 trips to the free throw line, converting on 25 of them (89.3 percent). Bradley, meanwhile, was just 17-25 (68.0 percent). This will be the first meeting of the year between these two teams.
Childs has taken his game to another level recently for Bradley, averaging 0 points over the last five games.
Half-court execution will be of utmost importance when two of the nation’s slowest-paced teams battle. Valparaiso currently ranks 256th in possessions per game (68.6) and Bradley is 268th (68.3). Additionally, the Braves are among the nation’s elite at getting to the line, ranking 46th in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.284). The Crusaders, however, rank 53rd at keeping opponents off the charity stripe with an opponents’ FTA rate of 0.187.
Bradley vs. Valparaiso Odds Pick
Free Basketball Tip: SU Winner – Valparaiso, ATS Winner – Valparaiso, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- Valparaiso ranks 50th in assists per game (15.7) while Bradley ranks 173rd (12.5).
- The Crusaders allow the 39th-fewest blocks per game (2.6) while the Braves rank 43rd (2.7).
- The Crusaders rank 188th in three pointers attempted per game (20.9) while the Braves rank 240th (19.2).
- Bradley ranks 113th in steals per game (6.5) while Valparaiso ranks 124th in steals allowed per game (6.7).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Braves have scored an average of 72.2 points per game (3.4 above their season average) and allowed an average of 62.6 points per game (4.9 below their season average).
- The Crusaders’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 10.8, up from 5.1 for the season.
