Belmont vs Bradley Prediction 1/1/26 College Basketball Picks Today

In this article we will formulate a Belmont vs Bradley prediction for this College Basketball game on Thursday, January 1st at Curb Event Center Arena in Nashville, Tennessee. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this College Basketball matchup.

Belmont Bruins Betting Preview

The Belmont Bruins are 12-2 (2-1) this season after they lost to Indiana State in overtime by a score of 81-80 in their last game. Belmont led 41-36 at halftime, but only scored 30 points in the second half, before picking up the close loss in overtime. The Bruins shot 43% from the field, 41% on three pointers, and 82% on free throws in the game. Tyler Lundblade led Belmont with 26 points and three rebounds, while Drew Scharnowski added 14 points and seven rebounds in the loss. 

Prior to that game, Belmont defeated UCI by a score of 84-58 and Evansville by a score of 83-78. The Bruins have scored 85.0 points per game with 40.0 rebounds and 18.7 assists per game, while they have allowed 69.1 points against per game this season. Tyler Lundblade is averaging 16.6 points and 2.2 rebounds per game, while Drew Scharnowski is averaging 11.3 points and 5.8 rebounds per game for the Bruins. Belmont is shooting 51.1% from the field, 67.7% on free throws, and 39.9% on three pointers this season. 

Bradley Braves Betting Preview

The Bradley Braves are 10-4 (3-0) this year after they defeated Evansville by a score of 76-68 in their last game. Bradley trailed 35-31 at halftime, but they scored 45 points in the second half to escape with the win. The Braves shot 41% from the field, 32% on three pointers, and 81% on free throws in the game. Jaquan Johnson led Bradley with 22 points and five assists, while Montana Wheeler added 12 points and one rebound in the win. 

Prior to that game, Bradley defeated SIU by a score of 73-69 and Indiana State by a score of 108-99. Bradley has scored 78.3 points per game with 35.0 rebounds and 13.2 assists per game, while they have allowed 69.4 points against per game this season. Jaquan Johnson is averaging 18.8 points and 4.3 rebounds per game, while Alex Huibregtse is averaging 12.1 points and 3.9 rebounds per game for the Braves. Bradley is shooting 44.1% from the field, 73.2% on free throws, and 34.1% on three pointers this year. 

Why the Belmont Bruins will win

• Belmont has won each of its last eight games after coming off overtime.
• Belmont has won the first half in each of its last 11 night games.

Why the Bradley Braves will win

• Bradley has won each of its last seven games.
• The road team has won the first half in each of Belmont’s last five games.

Total Points Facts

• Seven of Bradley’s last eight games against Conference opponents have produced a total of 144 or fewer points.
• Each of the last four games between Bradley and Belmont have produced a total of 154+ points.

Matchup/League Facts

• Belmont ranks 361st among Division 1 teams for opponent three-point field goal attempts per game this season (31.4).
• Belmont ranks 8th among Division 1 teams for opponent field goal percentage this season (37.0%).
• Bradley ranks 17th among Division 1 teams for opponent turnovers per game this season (16.4).
• Bradley ranks T22nd among Division 1 teams for steals per game this season (9.9).

Belmont vs Bradley Prediction 

Both of these teams have started the season playing very strong basketball, but Belmont did lose in overtime last time out. The Bruins are shooting 51% from the field and they have scored at least 80 points in five straight games. Bradley is undefeated in conference play and they are shooting 44% from the field. The Braves are lower scoring than Belmont, but they play very tight defense. This should be a great game to watch, but I have to take Bradley and the points, as the Belmont defense is a concern.