Bradley vs Dayton Prediction 3/18/26 College Basketball Picks Today

In this article we will formulate a Bradley vs Dayton prediction for this College Basketball game on Wednesday, March 18th at Carver Arena in Peoria, Illinois. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this NIT matchup.

Bradley Braves Betting Preview

The Bradley Braves are 21-12 (13-7) this season after they lost to Northern Iowa by a score of 73-69 in their last game. Bradley trailed 45-32 at halftime, but did outscore UNI 37-28 in the second half in the loss. The Braves shot 43% from the field, 38% on three pointers, and 83% on free throws in the game. Corey Thomas led Bradley with 11 points and three rebounds, while AJ Smith added 10 points and three assists in the loss. 

Prior to that game, Bradley defeated Valpo by a score of 90-84 and Murray State by a score of 87-78. The Braves have scored 77.6 points per game with 34.3 rebounds and 13.4 assists per game, while they have allowed 73.4 points against per game this season. Jaquan Johnson is averaging 17.1 points and 3.9 rebounds per game, while Alex Huibregtse is averaging 12.6 points and 3.1 rebounds per game for the Braves. Bradley is shooting 43.8% from the field, 73.3% on free throws, and 35.5% on three pointers this season. 

Dayton Flyers Betting Preview

The Dayton Flyers are 23-11 (12-6) this year after they lost to VCU by a score of 70-62 in their last game. Dayton trailed 40-25 at halftime, but they outscored VCU 37-30 in the second half in the loss. The Flyers shot 43% from the field, 33% on three pointers, and 53% on free throws in the game. Javon Bennett led Dayton with 14 points and three assists, while Amael L’Etang added 12 points and three assists in the loss. 

Prior to that game, Dayton defeated St. Louis by a score of 70-69 and St. Bonaventure by a score of 68-63. The Flyers have scored 74.4 points per game with 32.9 rebounds and 14.3 assists per game, while they have allowed 69.9 points against per game this season. Javon Bennett is averaging 16.2 points and 3.0 assists per game, while De’Shayne Montgomery is averaging 13.4 points and 4.2 rebounds per game for the Flyers. Dayton is shooting 44.6% from the field, 75.1% on free throws, and 34.1% on three pointers this season. 

Why the Bradley Braves will win

• Bradley has won 12 of its last 13 games at Carver Arena.
• Dayton has lost three of its last four away games when playing with a rest disadvantage.
• Bradley has won the first half in 21 of its last 26 games against non-Conference opponents at Carver Arena.

Why the Dayton Flyers will win

• Dayton has won each of its last seven Wednesday games against non-Conference opponents.
• Dayton has won the first half in each of its last seven night games against non-Conference opponents.

Total Points Facts

• Each of Dayton’s last seven games have produced a total of 139 or fewer points.
• Each of Bradley’s last four games against the Atlantic 10 Conference Conference have produced a total of 142 or fewer points.

Matchup/League Facts

• Bradley ranks 10th among Division 1 teams for opponent steals per game this season (4.9).
• Bradley ranks 20th among Division 1 teams for turnover percentage this season (12.2%).
• Dayton ranks 16th among Division 1 teams for opponent turnovers per game this season (14.9).
• Dayton ranks 16th among Division 1 teams for opponent assist to turnover ratio this season (0.83).

Bradley vs Dayton Prediction

Dayton played very inconsistently for most of the season, but they made a run in the A-10 Tournament and came up one win short of making the NCAA Tournament. The Flyers are shooting 45% from the field and they have allowed 69 points or fewer in four of their last five. Bradley has won three of their last five games and they have scored 86+ points in three of their last four. I think Dayton is the much better side here, especially on defense, but I am slightly concerned about them not caring about this game. I will side with the Flyers, but be cautious of them not bringing their “A” game.