The Bradley Braves (1-0) will be at home in Carver Arena when they go head-to-head against the Delaware Fightin Blue Hens (1-0). Bradley opened as a 7-point favorite, while the games Over/Under (O/U) has been set at 136 points. Tip-off is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET on Tuesday, November 14, 2017, and it can be seen on ESPN 3.
Delaware Fightin Blue Hens vs. Bradley Braves ATS Preview
The last time the Fightin Blue Hens played, they were victorious over the Richmond Spiders, 76-63, despite being 9.5-point underdogs. With 12 points and 12 rebounds, Eric Carter played well for Delaware. Delaware dominated nearly every stat category in the game. They had an effective field goal percentage of 0.620 and a turnover percentage of 15.8. Richmond recorded marks of 0.460 and 20.1, respectively, for those same stats. The two teams combined to score 139 points, which came in just under the projected point total of 140.
The Braves hope to maintain momentum after covering the 9-point spread against the IUPUI Jaguars in their last game, 68-53. Bradley was lifted by Donte Thomas, who put up 15 points and eight rebounds. The Braves had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.554 vs. 0.340) and had a better offensive rebounding percentage (37.1 vs. 33.3). The two teams combined to score 121 points, which was well under the O/U total of 144.
Half-court execution will be critical when a pair of the NCAAs slowest-paced teams square off. Bradley ranks 256th in possessions per game (67.9) and Delaware is 316th (66.0) since last season.
The Fightin Blue Hens have had records of 14-20 straight up (SU) and 17-13-1 against the spread (ATS) since last season. Vegas has been fairly accurate when setting the O/U total of Delaware games since last season with 16 overs compared to 14 unders.
Although the Braves have struggled winning games outright since last season (14-20 SU), they have had a solid record ATS (18-14). Bradleys games have had a tendency to go over the O/U total over that same time frame (56.3 percent).
The Fightin Blue Hens won the lone contest against the Braves last season, 63-49. The Fightin Blue Hens played a nearly perfect game. They had a solid offensive rebounding percentage of 29.0 and an effective field goal percentage of 0.471. For those same stats, the Braves were 12.2 and 0.360, respectively.
Delaware Fightin Blue Hens vs. Bradley Braves Prediction
Predictions: SU Winner – Bradley, ATS Winner – Delaware, O/U – Over
Betting Notes (2016-Present):
- The Braves rank 208th in three pointers allowed per game (22.0) while the Fightin Blue Hens rank 265th (23.3).
- Delaware averages 35.0 rebounds per game, which ranks 194th in the nation. Bradley ranks 210th in rebounds allowed per game (36.2).
- Delaware ranks 95th in steals allowed per game (5.8) while Bradley ranks 262nd (7.8).
- The Braves average 3.7 blocks per game, which ranks 106th in the nation. The Fightin Blue Hens rank 180th in blocks allowed per game (3.6).
- Bradley ranks 176th in assists allowed per game (13.5) while Delaware ranks 238th (14.5).
