The Bradley Braves (18-10, 8-7 MVC) head to Valparaiso to take on the Crusaders (13-15, 4-11 MVC) in a game that has the potential to be low-scoring. The games Over/Under (O/U) opened at 132 points with Valparaiso set as a 3-point favorite. Tip-off is set for 9 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 17, 2018.
Bradley Braves at Valparaiso Crusaders Betting Preview
In the Braves last contest, they defeated the Illinois State Redbirds, 70-58. Donte Thomas led Bradley in scoring with 14 points on 6-for-11 shooting. The Braves had an extraordinary offensive rebounding percentage of 39.5 (above their season average of 32.5) and held the Redbirds to an effective field goal percentage of 0.375 (below their season average of 0.507).
The Crusaders are trying to rebound after their 80-71 loss to the Loyola Chicago Ramblers in their last game. Tevonn Walker was Valparaiso’s leading scorer with 18 points on 5-for-15 shooting. Loyola Chicago had a turnover percentage of 8.5 (better than their season average of 17.7). Valparaiso, meanwhile, had an offensive rebounding percentage of 37.5 (above their season average of 27.9).
Valparaiso might struggle to put up points as they clash against one of the NCAA’s best defenses. Bradley currently ranks 34th in defensive efficiency while the Crusaders rank 284th in offensive efficiency. It could also be a mistake-prone game for the Braves offense, which ranks 305th in ball security (turnover percentage of 21.1 percent). They’ll be going up against the stingy defense of the Crusaders, which forces the 55th-most turnovers in the NCAA (21.3 percent).
Both teams have had a player trending in the right direction over their last five games. For the Braves, it’s been Thomas, who has averaged 12.6 points, 7.4 rebounds, 1.6 blocks and 1.2 steals, while the Crusaders have gotten great contributions from Bakari Evelyn (18.0 points, 3.2 assists and 1.6 steals).
These teams have already met once this season. The Braves won 80-71. The Braves played a nearly flawless game. They had a ridiculous offensive rebounding percentage of 33.3 and a phenomenal free throw rate of 0.531. For those same stats, the Crusaders recorded marks of 22.2 and 0.377, respectively. Walker was the games top overall scorer with 25 points.
Bradley Braves at Valparaiso Crusaders Odds Prediction
Prediction: SU Winner – Valparaiso, ATS Winner – Bradley, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- The Braves average 36.5 rebounds per game, which ranks 100th in the nation. The Crusaders rank 112th in rebounds allowed per game (33.9).
- Valparaiso ranks 25th in steals per game (7.8) while Bradley ranks 150th in steals allowed per game (6.6).
- The Crusaders rank 45th in three pointers allowed per game (19.5) while the Braves rank 156th (22.0).
- Bradley allows the 18th-fewest blocks per game (2.4) while Valparaiso ranks 33rd (2.6).
Betting Trends:
- The Crusaders average margin of victory in their last five games has been 0.6, down from 2.2 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Braves have scored an average of 65.8 points per game (1.9 below their season average) and allowed an average of 70.2 points per game (6.2 above their season average).
