Bradley Braves vs Murray State Racers Matchup

Read on to get betting odds and analysis in our Bradley vs Murray State NCAA Basketball prediction and preview and see who we think will win and cover the spread in Murray.

Bradley vs Murray State Prediction

Planning on watching today's Braves and Racers game? Catch the action at CFSB Center in Murray, KY, as the Racers hosts this showdown at 4:00 ET on ESPN+. In this Missouri Valley matchup, Bradley is favored bt -1.5 vs. Murray State. The over/under for the game is 137.5 points.

Bradley vs. Murray State Matchup At A Glance

Sport: NCAAB
Teams: Bradley Braves at Murray State Racers
Where: Murray at CFSB Center
Date: Saturday, January 18th
Betting Odds BRADLY -1.5, BRADLY -110 | MURST -110 O/U 137.5

Braves Preview: Does Bradley Have A Chance at CFSB Center?

Bradley improved to 14-3 on the season with a dominant 118-65 win over Indiana State on Wednesday. The Braves were -8.5 favorites going into the game and easily covered the spread. The game’s total points of 183 surpassed the over/under line of 154.5.

Bradley took control early, leading 66-33 at halftime. They continued their strong play in the second half, scoring 52 points while holding Indiana State to 32.

Braves Offense Breakdown

Bradley's offense exploded for 118 points in their last game, shooting 55.6% from the field and hitting 42.1% from three-point range, making 16 of 38 attempts. Their effective field goal percentage was an impressive 66.7%, and they were nearly perfect from the free-throw line, converting 22 of 25 attempts (88%).

Connor Dillon led the way with 20 points in just 20 minutes, hitting 5 of 7 threes. Zek Montgomery and Jaquan Johnson each added 17 points, with Johnson shooting 75% from the field. The Braves dished out 27 assists as a team, with Duke Deen contributing 6 assists to go along with his 13 points.

Braves Team Defense

Bradley’s defense struggled in their last game, giving up 65 points while allowing the opposing team to shoot 55% from the field. They had particular trouble defending inside, where their opponent hit 70% of their two-point attempts, going 24/34.

From beyond the arc, Bradley allowed their opponent to shoot 42%, with 16 made threes on 38 attempts. They also sent the other team to the free-throw line 25 times, where they converted 22 free throws at an 88% rate. Bradley gave up 13 offensive rebounds in the game.

Racers Preview: Can the Racers Secure a Win at Home?

Murray State Racers Recent Game/Games

The Racers dropped to 9-8 on the season after a 97-93 loss to UIC on Wednesday. Murray State, who went into the game as +3.5 point underdogs, not only lost but also failed to cover the spread.

They led 36-33 at halftime but were outscored 43-40 in the second half. The game’s total points reached 190, well over the 138.5 O/U line.

Racers Offense Breakdown

Murray State put up 93 points in their last game, shooting 40% from the field. Their effective field goal percentage was 45%, with a 46% success rate on two-pointers and 30% from beyond the arc, hitting 9 of 30 three-point attempts. They were strong from the free-throw line, connecting on 20 of 25 attempts for 80%.

The Racers dished out 23 assists and grabbed 16 offensive rebounds. Javon Jackson led the way with 30 points and 5 assists, shooting 60% overall and 37.5% from three. Alden Applewhite added 22 points, hitting 3 of 8 from deep, while Tyem Freeman contributed 21 points, making 75% of his shots and 50% from three-point range.

Racers Team Defense

Despite Murray State's defense giving up 97 points, their opponent shot 55% from the field, including 63% on two-point attempts, hitting 26 of 41 shots. From beyond the arc, they connected on 9 of 22 threes, shooting 40%.

At the free-throw line, Murray State's opponent went 18 for 25, shooting 72%. The Racers allowed 6 offensive rebounds in the game.

Braves vs Racers Betting Odds, Trends & Analysis

Although Bradley has a straight up record of 2-1 in their last three road games, they have not held up as well vs. the spread going 0-3. The team averaged 75 points per game in these games.
Across their last three home contests, Murray State has been good against the spread posting a mark of 2-1. Their overall mark in these games was 2-1, while averaging 76 points per game.
As the betting underdog, the Racers have an ATS mark of just 7-3 in their last ten games. Murray State posted a straight up mark of 4-6 in these matchups.
Against the spread, the Braves have put together of 1-4 in their last five games as the betting favorite. In these same games, they went 4-1 straight up.