Valparaiso Crusaders vs Drake Bulldogs Betting Picks & Predictions

Game outlook

On Wednesday, the Valparaiso Beacons and the Drake Bulldogs will face off in a basketball game at Knapp Center. The game will begin at 8:00 p.m. ET and is a matchup between two teams in the Missouri Valley Conference. Valparaiso is currently struggling with a record of 6-15 overall and a 2-8 record in conference play. They recently lost 81-70 to Missouri State. On the other hand, Drake has been performing well with a record of 17-4 overall and an 8-2 record in conference play. They won their last game against Northern Iowa with a score of 77-64. The two teams previously met on November 29, where Drake secured a victory with a score of 83-65. Despite a close first half, Drake dominated in the second half and shot 50.0 percent overall. As for the betting odds, Drake is currently the favorite with an opening line of -21.5, which has now shifted to -20.5.

Betting Odds

Moneyline: Crusaders +1,129 | Bulldogs -2,500

Spread: Crusaders +20.5 (-110) | Bulldogs -20.5 (-110)

Total: Over/Under 144.5 (-110)

Based on the moneyline, the implied probability that Drake will win straight-up is 96%.

Valparaiso Crusaders

Valparaiso's basketball team has struggled offensively this season, scoring an average of 68.0 points per game, which ranks them 315th nationally. Their shooting percentage is even lower, with a 40.6 percent shooting accuracy placing them at 336th. From three-point range, they shoot 32.7 percent, ranking 237th. However, they have been more successful at making free throws, with a 72.8 percent success rate (127th). In terms of other statistics, Valparaiso averages 31.7 rebounds per game (236th), 11.9 assists (249th), and 11.4 turnovers (125th). On the defensive end, they surrender an average of 72.3 points per game (197th), and their opponents shoot 44.9 percent (267th) from the field. From the three-point range, opponents shoot 34.5 percent (264th). Valparaiso averages 3.9 blocks per game (102nd), 5.5 steals (292nd), and commits 16.1 fouls (103rd) per game. Overall, KenPom ranks Valparaiso at 288th nationally. They are ranked 317th in offense and 181st in defense. They have a power ranking of 207 and have achieved a 6-15 record this season, with a 13-7 against the spread (ATS) record. To summarize their offensive performance, Valparaiso shoots 40.90 percent from the field (330th), 71.94 percent from the free-throw line (163rd), and 32.47 percent from three-point range (238th). They average 34.90 rebounds per game (227th), 12.10 offensive assists (280th), and 11.75 turnovers (149th). Defensively, they allow opponents to shoot 44.76 percent from the field (257th), 68.06 percent from the free-throw line (41st), and 34.05 percent from three-point range (233rd). They average 38.00 defensive rebounds per game (38th), 14.25 defensive assists (297th), and 12.55 turnovers (156th). On this week's edition of @ValpoBasketball Weekly, head coach @RogerPowellJr shares his message to the fan base, discusses the role of a coach beyond basketball, previews Wednesday's game at Drake and talks about @SchwiegerCooper & @DariusDeAveiro . #GoValpo pic.twitter.com/bK9uSBwzfd