The Drake Bulldogs (12-4, 2-1 MVC) will be at the Athletics-Recreation Center to clash with the Valparaiso Crusaders (8-8, 1-2 MVC) in a MVC matchup. The game begins at 4 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 11, 2020.
Drake Bulldogs vs. Valparaiso Crusaders ATS Odds
In their last matchup, the Crusaders fell to the Southern Illinois Salukis, 63-50, while the Bulldogs edged the Loyola Chicago Ramblers, 65-62.
The Bulldogs, who came into the game averaging an offensive rebounding percentage of 25.4, had an absurd mark of 48.1 and held the Ramblers to an effective field goal percentage of 0.491 (below their season average of 0.558). Valparaiso, meanwhile, held Southern Illinois to an offensive rebounding percentage of 16.0 (below their season average of 22.2). Valparaiso was lifted by Javon Freeman-Liberty, who contributed 16 points. Liam Robbins, meanwhile played a pivotal role for Drake with 20 points, nine rebounds and seven blocks.
The Bulldogs dominated this series last year, winning both contests. In the last game, Drake won 84-79. One of Drake’s largest strengths was their ability to convert at the free throw line. They were 19-22 (86.4 percent), while the Crusaders were 12-16 (75.0 percent). This will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams.
It will be a battle of contrasting styles as the fast-breaking Crusaders will look to push the more grind-it-out Bulldogs. The Crusaders currently rank 63rd in possessions per game while the Bulldogs are 253rd. Additionally, the Bulldogs’ 47th-ranked offense (effective field goal percentage of 0.538) will square off against the Crusaders’ 330th-ranked defense (effective field goal percentage allowed of 0.539).
Drake Bulldogs at Valparaiso Crusaders Free Pick
College Basketball Pick: SU Winner – Drake, ATS Winner – Drake, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- Drake averages 15.8 assists per game, which ranks 36th in the NCAA. Valparaiso ranks 165th in assists allowed per game (13.7).
- The Crusaders rank 38th in three pointers allowed per game (18.6) while the Bulldogs rank 126th (21.8).
- The Crusaders rank 37th in steals per game (8.5) while the Bulldogs rank 143rd in steals allowed per game (7.2).
- Drake ranks 25th in rebounds allowed per game (30.9) while Valparaiso ranks 131st (34.9).
Bettings Trends:
- The Crusaders have been outscored by an average of 0.6 points in their last five games. For the season, Valparaiso has defeated opponents by an average of 1.4 points.
- During their last five games, the Bulldogs have scored an average of 78.8 points per game (7.0 above their season average) and allowed an average of 74.4 points per game (8.3 above their season average).
