The Valparaiso Crusaders (11-10, 4-4 MVC) will be at Carver Arena to clash against the Bradley Braves (14-7, 5-3 MVC) in a MVC matchup. Action starts at 7 p.m. ET on Wednesday, January 29, 2020.
Valparaiso Crusaders at Bradley Braves ATS Odds
In their last matchup, the Braves fell to the Indiana State Sycamores, 61-53, while the Crusaders edged the Evansville Aces, 67-65.
Valparaiso dominated nearly every facet of the game. They had a phenomenal free throw rate of 0.333 (above their season average of 0.186) and a turnover percentage of 11.6 (better than their season average of 16.6). Evansville put up marks of 0.133 and 15.6, respectively, for those same stats. Bradley, on the other hand, held Indiana State to an effective field goal percentage of 0.423 (below their season average of 0.533). Ari Boya played well for Bradley with 14 points and 12 rebounds. Valparaiso was led by Mileek McMillan, who finished with 16 points.
This series was highly competitive last year. Each won one of the two games played against each other last season. The Braves won the most recent contest 67-42. Bradley’s effective field goal percentage was its largest strength over Valparaiso. The Braves had a rate of 0.573 while the Crusaders posted a mark of 0.286. This is the first time these teams will battle this year.
Bradley figures to have the advantage on the offensive side of the ball. The Braves currently rank 87th in offensive efficiency, while the Crusaders rank 222nd in defensive efficiency.
Valparaiso Crusaders vs. Bradley Braves Odds Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Bradley, ATS Winner – Valparaiso, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Valparaiso ranks 48th in three pointers allowed per game (19.2) while Bradley ranks 254th (25.5).
- The Braves average 14.2 assists per game, which ranks 88th in the NCAA. The Crusaders rank 171st in assists allowed per game (13.7).
- Valparaiso ranks 45th in blocks allowed per game (2.7) while Bradley ranks 70th (3.0).
- The Braves rank 21st in rebounds per game (40.2) while the Crusaders rank 199th (34.3).
- Valparaiso ranks 36th in steals per game (8.2) while Bradley ranks 208th (5.1).
Bettings Trends:
- The Braves’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 4.2, down from 7.8 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Crusaders have scored an average of 71.4 points per game (2.1 below their season average) and allowed an average of 71.6 points per game (0.8 below their season average).