The Illinois State Redbirds (6-12, 1-5 MVC) visit Carver Arena to clash with the Bradley Braves (13-6, 4-2 MVC). The Redbirds will try to snap their five-game losing streak. The game starts at 8 p.m. ET on Wednesday, January 22, 2020.
Illinois State Redbirds at Bradley Braves ATS Odds
Both teams lost in their last game. The Braves fell to the UNI Panthers, 86-71, while the Redbirds were defeated by the Loyola Chicago Ramblers, 62-50.
Illinois State held Loyola Chicago to an offensive rebounding percentage of 8.3 (below their season average of 19.5) while Bradley did an excellent job of making free throws (13-18; 72.2 percent). Danya Kingsby had a good game for Bradley, putting up 28 points and five assists. Meanwhile, Dedric Boyd played a key role for Illinois State with 15 points.
The Braves dominated this series last year, taking both contests. In the most recent contest, Bradley won 65-59. Bradley had a much better free throw rate (0.231 vs. 0.108). Illinois State, on the other hand, had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (34.0 vs. 20.6). This is the first time these teams will battle this year.
Half-court execution will be at a premium when two of the NCAA’s slowest-paced teams square off. Bradley currently ranks 271st in possessions per game (67.9) and Illinois State is 258th (68.1).
Illinois State vs. Bradley ATS Pick
Free Pick: SU Winner – Bradley, ATS Winner – Bradley, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- Bradley ranks 20th in rebounds per game (40.8) while Illinois State ranks 226th (33.6).
- The Braves rank 49th in assists allowed per game (10.8) while the Redbirds rank 137th (12.8).
- The Redbirds rank 143rd in three pointers allowed per game (21.9) while the Braves rank 239th (25.3).
- Bradley ranks 49th in blocks per game (4.3) while Illinois State ranks 143rd (2.7).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Redbirds have scored an average of 58.8 points per game (4.0 below their season average) and allowed an average of 69.0 points per game (2.5 above their season average).
- The Braves’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 6.4, down from 8.4 for the season.