Illinois State Redbirds vs. Drake Bulldogs Betting Prediction 03/08/19

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The Drake Bulldogs (23-8, 12-6 MVC) will be in the Missouri Valley Conference Tourney at Enterprise Center when they take on the Illinois State Redbirds (17-15, 10-9 MVC). The game begins at 7 p.m. ET on Friday, March 8, 2019.

Illinois State Redbirds vs. Drake Bulldogs Betting Odds

Both teams beat their last opponent. The Bulldogs defeated the Missouri State Bears 73-62, while the Redbirds beat the Evansville Aces 65-60.

Illinois State dominated nearly every stat category in the game. They had an extraordinary free throw rate of 0.345 (above their season average of 0.198) and an effective field goal percentage of 0.388 (below their season average of 0.503). Evansville was 0.279 and 0.352, respectively, for those same stats. The Bulldogs, meanwhile, made 20 of their 24 free throws (83.3 percent) and held the Bears to an effective field goal percentage of 0.385 (below their season average of 0.524). Drake was lifted by Nick McGlynn, who recorded 22 points and 13 rebounds. Meanwhile, Phil Fayne played a key role for Illinois State with 17 points and 10 rebounds.

From an effective field goal percentage perspective, Drake figures to have a substantial advantage. The sharp-shooting Bulldogs offense ranks 42nd in the country in that metric at 0.545, while the Illinois State defense is ranked 197th in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.507).

Illinois State Redbirds vs. Drake Bulldogs Odds Pick

Pick: SU Winner – Drake, ATS Winner – Drake, O/U – Under

Betting Notes:

  • Drake ranks 26th in assists allowed per game (10.8) while Illinois State ranks 181st (13.9).
  • The Bulldogs average 35.9 rebounds per game, which ranks 121st in the NCAA. The Redbirds rank 152nd in rebounds allowed per game (35.1).
  • The Bulldogs average 23.2 three pointers per game, which ranks 115th in the NCAA. The Redbirds rank 178th in three pointers allowed per game (23.2).
  • Illinois State ranks 23rd in blocks allowed per game (2.5) while Drake ranks 70th (3.1).

Bettings Trends:

  • The Redbirds’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 2.4, up from 1.3 for the season.
  • During their last five games, the Bulldogs have scored an average of 74.8 points per game (1.1 below their season average) and allowed an average of 68.8 points per game (1.7 below their season average).