The Drake Bulldogs (12-5, 2-2 MVC) welcome the Illinois State Redbirds (6-10, 1-3 MVC) to Knapp Center. The Bulldogs look to continue their 10-game home winning streak, while the Redbirds try to snap their seven-game road losing streak. The game begins at 8 p.m. ET on Thursday, January 16, 2020.
Illinois State Redbirds vs. Drake Bulldogs Betting Odds
Both teams fell in their last contest. The Bulldogs fell to the Valparaiso Crusaders, 66-61, while the Redbirds were defeated by the Indiana State Sycamores, 65-52.
Illinois State had a better free throw rate (0.155 vs. 0.119) while Drake held Valparaiso to an effective field goal percentage of 0.421 (below their season average of 0.508). Drake was lifted by Roman Penn, who contributed 21 points, eight rebounds and seven assists. DJ Horne fueled Illinois State with 18 points.
The Redbirds held the advantage in this series last year, securing victories in two out of three games. In the most recent contest, Drake won 78-62. Drake had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.604 vs. 0.381). Illinois State, on the other hand, had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (32.5 vs. 24.0). This will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams.
Drake figures to have the edge on the offensive side of the ball. The Bulldogs rank 49th in effective field goal percentage (0.536), while Illinois State ranks 225th in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.499).
Illinois State Redbirds vs. Drake Bulldogs Free Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Drake, ATS Winner – Drake, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- Drake ranks 33rd in assists per game (15.8) while Illinois State ranks 187th (11.9).
- The Redbirds are 47th in the nation with 2.8 blocks allowed per game while the Bulldogs are 52nd with 2.8 blocks allowed per game.
- The Bulldogs rank 27th in rebounds allowed per game (31.0) while the Redbirds rank 165th (35.9).
- Drake averages 22.2 three pointers per game, which ranks 135th in the nation. Illinois State ranks 146th in three pointers allowed per game (22.1).
Bettings Trends:
- The Redbirds’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 8.4, up from 2.8 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Bulldogs have scored an average of 72.6 points per game (1.4 above their season average) and allowed an average of 72.8 points per game (6.7 above their season average).
