The Illinois State Redbirds (11-8, 4-2 MVC) will be at Carver Arena to square off against the Bradley Braves (9-10, 1-5 MVC) in a MVC matchup. Action begins at 7 p.m. ET on Wednesday, January 23, 2019.
Illinois State Redbirds vs. Bradley Braves Betting Odds
Both teams were triumphant in their last game. The Braves edged the Southern Illinois Salukis 57-54, while the Redbirds defeated the Evansville Aces 78-70.
The Redbirds, who came into the game averaging an effective field goal percentage of 0.502, had a fantastic mark of 0.615 and held the Aces to an offensive rebounding percentage of 14.3 (below the 27.4 mark opponents have averaged against Illinois State this season). The Braves, meanwhile, had a phenomenal offensive rebounding percentage of 35.1 (above their season average of 29.2), while the Salukis had a free throw rate of 0.176 (below their season average of 0.225). Bradley rallied around Elijah Childs, who recorded 12 points and seven rebounds. Milik Yarbrough, meanwhile played well for Illinois State, contributing 27 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. In the last matchup, the Braves won 70-58. The Braves’ offensive rebounding percentage was their biggest advantage over the Redbirds. Bradley had a rate of 39.5, while Illinois State posted a mark of 26.8. This will be the first game of the year between these two teams.
The physical Bradley offense could be living from the foul line in this contest. The Braves rank 60th in the country with a free throw attempt (FTA) rate of 0.276, while Illinois State ranks 203rd in FTA rate allowed (0.236).
Illinois State Redbirds vs. Bradley Braves Free Pick
Free Pick: SU Winner – Illinois State, ATS Winner – Bradley, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Illinois State ranks 109th in three pointers attempted per game (23.8) while Bradley ranks 256th (18.9).
- The Braves rank 94th in steals per game (6.8) while the Redbirds rank 104th in steals allowed per game (6.4).
- The Redbirds average 14.9 assists per game, which ranks 73rd in the nation. The Braves rank 123rd in assists allowed per game (13.1).
- Illinois State is eighth in the nation with 2.1 blocks allowed per game while Bradley is 40th with 2.7 blocks allowed per game.
Bettings Trends:
- The Braves’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 7.0, up from 0.6 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Redbirds have scored an average of 65.8 points per game (6.1 below their season average) and allowed an average of 62.0 points per game (10.5 below their season average).
