The Drake Bulldogs (24-9) clash against the Southern Utah Thunderbirds (16-16) in the CollegeInsider.com Postseason Tournament at Centrum Arena. The Bulldogs opened as a 4.5-point favorite. The game’s Over/Under (O/U) has been set at 149.5 points and it gets underway at 8:30 p.m. ET on Friday, March 22, 2019.
Drake Bulldogs at Southern Utah Thunderbirds Betting Odds
Both teams were beaten in their last matchup. The Thunderbirds fell to the Eastern Washington Eagles, 77-61, while the Bulldogs lost a close one to the UNI Panthers, 60-58.
Drake had a better free throw rate (0.173 vs. 0.154) while Southern Utah did an excellent job of making free throws (14-18; 77.8 percent). Southern Utah’s Cameron Oluyitan played well, recording 19 points and six rebounds. Meanwhile, Anthony Murphy played a pivotal role for Drake with 16 points and 10 rebounds.
Of the Bulldogs’ 31 games with betting action, 16 have finished over the O/U total. Drake heads into the game with records of 24-9 straight up (SU) and 23-7-1 against the spread (ATS).
Vegas tends to set the total low when the Thunderbirds are involved, as 56.7 percent of their games have ended over the O/U total. Further, Southern Utah owns records of 16-16 SU and 14-16 ATS.
The offense of Southern Utah will face off against the stingy defense of Drake. The Thunderbirds currently rank 218th in offensive efficiency, while the Bulldogs are 96th in defensive efficiency. The Bulldogs figure to have the advantage on that side of the ball. Also, the Bulldogs, who rank 280th in offensive rebounding percentage (25.4 percent), might have a tough time getting second chance points against the Thunderbirds, who rank 34th in defensive rebounding percentage (75.6 percent).
Drake at Southern Utah ATS Pick
Free College Basketball Pick: SU Winner – Southern Utah, ATS Winner – Southern Utah, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- Drake ranks 40th in assists per game (15.4) while Southern Utah ranks 192nd (12.6).
- The Thunderbirds rank 162nd in steals per game (6.0) while the Bulldogs rank 219th in steals allowed per game (7.2).
- Drake averages 22.7 three pointers per game, which ranks 149th in the nation. Southern Utah ranks 198th in three pointers allowed per game (23.1).
- The Bulldogs rank 93rd in rebounds allowed per game (33.6) while the Thunderbirds rank 225th (36.4).
- Drake ranks 89th in blocks per game (3.8) while Southern Utah ranks 168th in blocks allowed per game (3.7).
Bettings Trends:
- The Thunderbirds have been outscored by an average of 1.4 points in their last five games. For the season, Southern Utah has defeated opponents by an average of 0.1 points.
- During their last five games, the Bulldogs have scored an average of 69.8 points per game (5.7 below their season average) and allowed an average of 63.8 points per game (6.1 below their season average).
