A 13-game home winning streak hangs in the balance for the UNI Panthers (20-3, 9-2 MVC) when they welcome the Drake Bulldogs (16-8, 6-5 MVC) to McLeod Center. Action starts at 4 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 8, 2020.
Drake Bulldogs at UNI Panthers Betting Odds
Both teams defeated their last opponent. The Panthers defeated the Valparaiso Crusaders 63-51, while the Bulldogs beat the Bradley Braves 73-60.
Drake played a perfect game. They had a phenomenal free throw rate of 0.438 (above their season average of 0.189) and an effective field goal percentage of 0.542 (above their season average of 0.528). For those same stats, Bradley was 0.327 and 0.413, respectively. Meanwhile, UNI’s 0.443 effective field goal percentage was their biggest strength over Valparaiso, who had a rate of 0.307. The Panthers’ mark was below their season average of 0.575, while the Crusaders’ was below their season average of 0.501. Austin Phyfe played a pivotal role for UNI with 10 points and 13 rebounds. Liam Robbins played well for Drake, recording 29 points and seven rebounds.
The Panthers took this series last year, securing victories in two out of three games. In the last matchup, UNI won 60-58. The Panthers’ offensive rebounding percentage was their largest strength over the Bulldogs. UNI had a rate of 14.3, while Drake posted a mark of 9.7. This is the first time these teams will meet this year.
Half-court execution will be of utmost importance when a pair of the NCAA’s slowest-paced teams square off. UNI currently ranks 276th in possessions per game (67.3) and Drake is 256th (67.8). Also, the Bulldogs, who rank 289th in offensive rebounding percentage (24.8 percent), could struggle to get put-back points against the Panthers, who rank 21st in defensive rebounding percentage (76.7 percent).
Drake Bulldogs vs. UNI Panthers Odds Pick
Basketball Prediction: SU Winner – UNI, ATS Winner – UNI, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Drake ranks 26th in assists per game (15.8) while UNI ranks 186th (12.3).
- The Panthers are fifth in the country with 2.0 blocks allowed per game while the Bulldogs are 44th with 2.7 blocks allowed per game.
- UNI is 15th in the NCAA with 30.5 rebounds allowed per game while Drake is 34th with 31.6 rebounds allowed per game.
- The Panthers rank 78th in three pointers attempted per game (24.1) while the Bulldogs rank 166th in three pointers allowed per game (22.5).
- Drake ranks 164th in steals per game (5.8) while UNI ranks 231st (4.7).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Bulldogs have scored an average of 69.0 points per game (1.3 below their season average) and allowed an average of 63.2 points per game (2.6 below their season average).
- The Panthers’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 11.2, down from 12.2 for the season.
