The Bradley Braves (6-1) go head-to-head against the Eastern Illinois Panthers (2-4) at Carver Arena. The game begins at 8 p.m. ET on Friday, December 1, 2017.
The game’s Over/Under (O/U) opened at 131.5 points with Bradley set as an 8-point favorite.
Eastern Illinois Panthers vs. Bradley Braves Betting Prediction
The Panthers are trying to rebound after their 86-83 loss to the Marquette Golden Eagles in their last outing. One of Marquette’s biggest strengths was getting to the charity stripe. They had 28 free throw attempts, while Eastern Illinois had 21. Jajuan Starks led Eastern Illinois in scoring with 27 points on 9-for-13 shooting.
The last time the Braves played, they beat the Georgia Southern Eagles, 62-57. The Braves had an extraordinary free throw rate of 0.339 (above their season average of 0.219) and held the Eagles to an offensive rebounding percentage of 32.7 (below their season average of 38.8). With six points and 14 rebounds, Koch Bar had a solid game for Bradley.
Bradley could dominate on the defensive side of the ball as they go head-to-head against one of the nation’s worst offenses. Since the 2016-17 season, the Braves rank 49th in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.471), while Eastern Illinois is 251st in effective field goal percentage (0.492).
Eastern Illinois heads into the contest with records of 2-4 straight up (SU) and 2-3 against the spread (ATS). Panthers games have typically gone over the total (60.0 percent).
Meanwhile, Bradley owns records of 6-1 SU and 4-1-1 ATS. Unlike Eastern Illinois, Braves games have a tendency to finish under the total (100.0 percent).
The Braves won the only game against the Panthers last season, 87-83. The Braves had a much better free throw rate (0.429 vs. 0.182) and had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (46.9 vs. 25.5).
Eastern Illinois Panthers at Bradley Braves ATS Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Bradley, ATS Winner – Eastern Illinois, O/U – Over
Notes
Betting Notes (2016-Present):
Eastern Illinois ranks 67th in assists per game (15.2) while Bradley ranks 276th (11.7).
The Panthers rank 73rd in three pointers attempted per game (23.5) while the Braves rank 277th (18.3).
Eastern Illinois ranks 75th in steals per game (6.9) while Bradley ranks 269th in steals allowed per game (7.5).
The Braves average 36.5 rebounds per game, which ranks 126th in the nation. The Panthers rank 291st in rebounds allowed per game (38.2).
Bradley averages 3.7 blocks per game, which ranks 105th in the NCAA. Eastern Illinois ranks 140th in blocks allowed per game (3.4).
