The Bradley Braves (13-5, 4-1 MVC) will attempt to lengthen their 11-game home winning streak in a matchup against the UNI Panthers (15-2, 4-1 MVC) at Carver Arena. The game starts at 6 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 18, 2020, and will air on ESPN2.
UNI Panthers vs. Bradley Braves ATS Prediction
In the Panthers’ last matchup, they topped the Valparaiso Crusaders, 88-78. One of UNI’s largest strengths was their ability to convert at the free throw line. They were 16-19 (84.2 percent), while the Crusaders were just 4-6 (66.7 percent). UNI rallied around AJ Green, who was the top scorer from either team with 29 points on 9-for-16 shooting.
The Braves defeated the Missouri State Bears in their last matchup, 91-78. The Braves held the Bears to an offensive rebounding percentage of 13.5 (below their season average of 33.2) and had an effective field goal percentage of 0.598 (above their season average of 0.484). With 17 points and 13 rebounds, Ja’Shon Henry played well for Bradley.
This will be the second game of the season between these two squads. Green scored a game-high 35 points in the first game, in which the Panthers defeated the Braves 69-64. The Panthers’ 28.6 offensive rebounding percentage was their biggest advantage over the Braves, who had a mark of 22.5.
Half-court execution will be of utmost importance when two of the nation’s slowest-paced teams face off. Bradley currently ranks 271st in possessions per game (67.9) and UNI is 317th (66.6). Also, the Panthers rank fourth in effective field goal percentage (0.568), while the Braves rank 29th in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.444).
UNI vs. Bradley Betting Pick
College Basketball Pick: ATS Winner – UNI, O/U – Over
Betting Trends
UNI averages 24.6 three pointers per game, which ranks 70th in the NCAA. Bradley ranks 235th in three pointers allowed per game (25.2).
The Panthers rank 13th in rebounds allowed per game (30.2) while the Braves rank 100th (33.9).
UNI ranks ninth in blocks allowed per game (2.2) while Bradley ranks 61st (3.0).
The Braves rank 205th in steals per game (5.3) while the Panthers rank 238th (4.4).
UNI allows the ninth-fewest assists per game (9.2) while Bradley ranks 42nd (10.6).
The Panthers’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 8.0, down from 12.3 for the season.
During their last five games, the Braves have scored an average of 74.8 points per game (1.6 above their season average) and allowed an average of 63.8 points per game (0.4 above their season average).
