Belmont vs Drake Basketball Prediction & Picks: Will the Bulldogs edge closer to the MVC title?
Written by: Eddie Griffin
Last Update: Sun Feb 19, 2023, 4:56 am ET
Read Time: 4 minutes
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One of the wildest college basketball conference races is in the Missouri Valley Conference, where five teams–Drake (13-4), Bradley (13-4), Indiana State (13-5), Southern Illinois (12-5), and Belmont (12-5)–are still in the mix for the regular season title with a week left in MVC play.
Today, then, shapes up to be a big day in the title tale, as SIU hosting Bradley at 2:00 pm ET (ESPN2) and Belmont visiting Drake for a 4:00 pm ET clash, which will be televised by CBS Sports Network.
Here, we take a look at the latter matchup, with the Bulldogs looking to pick up their ninth straight win and secure a season sweep of the Bruins. Read on for our Belmont vs Drake basketball prediction, as well as our picks and analysis.
Belmont vs Drake Odds
Odds are via BetOnline as of Sunday, February 19, 2023, at 4:45 am ET. This article may also include odds from our other recommended legal sports betting sites.
Spread
- Belmont +6.5 (-102)
- Drake -6.5 (-120)
Over/Under
- Over 145.5 (-110)
- Under 145.5 (-110)
Moneyline
- Belmont +240
- Drake -300
Will the MVC's Top Two Offenses Steal the Show in Des Moines?
At KenPom, Belmont (#73) and Drake (#91) rank first and second in the MVC in offensive efficiency.
In terms of the raw numbers, this is a matchup between the conference's top two perimeter performers. Belmont, who is averaging 9.8 made threes per game, is shooting 39.9% from three, while Drake, who is averaging 8.2 made threes per game, is shooting 37.6% from outside.
In terms of scoring, Indiana State (78.9 PPG) leads the conference in scoring, with Drake (76.1 PPG) and Belmont (76.0 PPG) following right behind in second and third.
Indiana State (48.1%) also leads the conference in field goal percentage, with Belmont (47.2%) second and Drake (47.0%) third.
Where to Bet on Belmont vs Drake
However, when the Bulldogs and Bruins met in Nashville on January 29, it was all Drake in a 79-61 win.
Nothing went right for the Bruins, who have been held under 70 points just twice at home and six times overall this season. They were just 1 of 16 from three, and they were handily beaten by a team that was without its leading scorer.
Tucker DeVries (19.4 PPG, 5.8 RPG) missed the first meeting with an elbow infection, but the Bruins will have to contend with him today, much to their detriment. In addition to leading the team in scoring, he is the team's leader in made threes (75) and is second on the squad in perimeter percentage, making 40.5% of his outside shots.
Belmont vs Drake Prediction and Picks
Bruins vs Bulldogs Prediction: Drake to win
Bruins vs Bulldogs Picks: Drake -6.5 (Best Value: Bovada Sportsbook & BetUS) & Belmont/Drake over 145 (Best Value: Bovada Sportsbook & BetUS)
This is a somewhat sizable spread for a matchup between two teams who are separated by just one game in the MVC standings.
But of their eight consecutive wins, the previous win over Belmont–the second win in the streak–is one of six that have come by eight or more points, so there is a lot of value in backing Drake to cover the spread.
Sure, the Bruins almost certainly won't go 1 of 16 from three again, but in the first matchup, the Bulldogs were able to score 79 points and win by 18 without their best player.
With DeVries on the court for the rematch and aiming to score 20+ points for the ninth time in conference play, I fully expect Drake to move one step closer to the MVC regular season crown.
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Today's schedule certainly isn't as action-packed as yesterday's, but there are still a number of good options on the board, so don't hesitate to make the most of that deal.
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