Drake Bulldogs (16-6) vs. Belmont Bruins (16-6)
January 29, 2023 3:00 pm EDT
The Line: Belmont Bruins -1 / Drake Bulldogs +1 ; Over/Under: 139.5
(Get latest betting odds)
The Drake Bulldogs and the Belmont Bruins meet Sunday in college basketball action from Curb Event Center. Drake is 16-6 on the year so far. The Bulldogs beat Indiana State in their last matchup. As for Belmont, they’re currently 16-6 as well following a win over Evansville on Wednesday. Check back all season long for free college basketball picks at Sports Chat Place.
Drake Bulldogs
Drake managed an 11-5 run over their first 16 games this year, losing to Indiana State, Richmond, Saint Louis, Missouri State and Southern Illinois in that time. The Bulldogs are 5-1 in their last six games with a lone loss to Missouri State.
On Tuesday versus Indiana State, Drake took a 44-26 lead into the break. The Bulldogs were outscored 42-26 in the second half however, and had to scramble for the 70-68 win. Tucker DeVries led the team in scoring on 21 points and five rebounds.
Belmont Bruins
Over on the Belmont side, they went 10-6 to start the year, losing to Furman, Lipscomb, Tarleton State, Illinois State, Middle Tennessee and Southern IL. The Bruins have won another six straight since then over Missouri State, Valparaiso, Northern Iowa, Murray State, Bradley and Evansville.
Matched up against Evansville in the Wednesday game, the Bruins were ahead by a modest four points at the break. Belmont hit a 37-32 run in the second half and won 73-64. Ben Sheppard doubled up on 23 points and 10 rebounds.
ANDREW’S FREE PICK
I’ll likely stay with Belmont here. The Bruins had something of a slow start against a struggling Evansville team on Wednesday but they got the job done. Belmont has been scoring quite well during this seven-game win streak; they’ve hit 73 or more points in every game. As for Drake, they had a sketchy second half against Indiana State in their last game but everything worked out. The Bulldogs have hit 70 or more points in each of their last five victories, so this one could end up a high total. Ultimately I like Belmont a little better cover/win-wise, but you could make a case either way.
