The Indiana State Sycamores (8-4, 1-0 MVC) travel to Knapp Center to meet the Drake Bulldogs (10-4, 0-1 MVC). The Sycamores will attempt to extend their eight-game winning streak. The game begins at 6 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 4, 2020.
Indiana State Sycamores vs. Drake Bulldogs ATS Odds
In their last matchup, the Bulldogs fell to the Bradley Braves, 80-72, while the Sycamores were victorious over the Southern Illinois Salukis, 68-56.
Indiana State played a nearly flawless game. They had an offensive rebounding percentage of 22.6 (below their season average of 23.5) and a turnover percentage of 15.4 (better than their season average of 16.3). Southern Illinois was 15.6 and 20.1, respectively, for those same stats. Drake, on the other hand, had an effective field goal percentage of 0.588 (above their season average of 0.526). Roman Penn had a good performance for Drake with 10 points, 12 assists and five rebounds. Meanwhile, Indiana State received a boost from Tyreke Key, who recorded 20 points.
The Bulldogs dominated this series last year, winning both games. In the last matchup, Drake won 80-68. Getting to the free throw line was one of Drake’s largest advantages. They had 28 free throw attempts, while Indiana State had 16. This will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams.
The sweet-shooting offense of Drake (74th in the NCAA with an effective field goal percentage 0.531) will go head-to-head against the mid-tier defense of Indiana State (249th in effective field goal percentage allowed 0.503). The Bulldogs should have the edge on that side of the ball. Furthermore, the Sycamores rank 310th in offensive rebounding percentage (23.4 percent), while the Bulldogs rank 22nd in defensive rebounding percentage (77.2 percent).
Indiana State Sycamores at Drake Bulldogs Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Drake, ATS Winner – Drake, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Indiana State ranks 15th in steals allowed per game (4.8) while Drake ranks 130th (7.1).
- The Bulldogs rank 197th in rebounds per game (34.2) while the Sycamores rank 229th (33.2).
- Drake ranks 48th in blocks allowed per game (2.8) while Indiana State ranks 64th (3.0).
- The Bulldogs rank 48th in assists per game (15.4) while the Sycamores rank 148th (12.7).
- Drake ranks 138th in three pointers attempted per game (22.4) while Indiana State ranks 227th (18.8).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Sycamores have scored an average of 77.2 points per game (4.5 above their season average) and allowed an average of 65.8 points per game (4.0 below their season average).
- The Bulldogs have been outscored by an average of 2.2 points in their last five games. On the season, Drake has defeated opponents by an average of 6.1 points.
