The Illinois State Redbirds (12-9, 5-3 MVC) will be at the Knapp Center to clash against the Drake Bulldogs (16-5, 5-3 MVC) in a MVC matchup. Action gets underway at 8 p.m. ET on Wednesday, January 30, 2019.
Illinois State Redbirds vs. Drake Bulldogs Betting Odds
Both teams beat their last opponent. The Bulldogs defeated the Valparaiso Crusaders 70-59, while the Redbirds beat the Indiana State Sycamores 76-62.
Illinois State dominated nearly every stat category in the game. They had a turnover percentage of 12.7 (better than their season average of 15.8) and an offensive rebounding percentage of 30.0 (above their season average of 24.9). For those same stats, Indiana State put up marks of 21.9 and 23.1, respectively. The Bulldogs, on the other hand, held the Crusaders to an effective field goal percentage of 0.397 (below their season average of 0.529) and had a free throw rate of 0.294 (above their season average of 0.224). Anthony Murphy played a key role for Drake with 12 points and nine rebounds. Phil Fayne, meanwhile played well for Illinois State, contributing 26 points and five rebounds.
This was a highly competitive series last year, as the teams split their two games last season. The Redbirds won the last game 89-81. Illinois State’s 0.530 effective field goal percentage was its largest strength over Drake, who had a rate of 0.408. This is the first time these teams will meet this year.
Drake should have the advantage on the offensive side of the ball. The Bulldogs rank 97th in offensive efficiency, while Illinois State ranks 227th in defensive efficiency.
Illinois State Redbirds vs. Drake Bulldogs Pick
Free College Basketball Pick: SU Winner – Drake, ATS Winner – Illinois State, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Drake ranks 16th in assists allowed per game (10.4) while Illinois State ranks 182nd (14.2).
- The Redbirds rank seventh in blocks allowed per game (2.1) while the Bulldogs rank 73rd (3.0).
- Illinois State averages 5.1 steals per game, which ranks 187th in the NCAA. Drake ranks 188th in steals allowed per game (7.8).
- The Bulldogs average 25.1 three pointers per game, which ranks 65th in the NCAA. The Redbirds rank 198th in three pointers allowed per game (23.8).
- Drake ranks 122nd in rebounds per game (36.2) while Illinois State ranks 206th in rebounds allowed per game (36.5).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Redbirds have scored an average of 69.0 points per game (2.9 below their season average) and allowed an average of 68.4 points per game (4.2 below their season average).
- The Bulldogs’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 9.6, up from 7.6 for the season.
