The Drake Bulldogs and the Bradley Braves meet Sunday in Missouri Valley Tournament college basketball action from Enterprise Center. The Bulldogs enter this one at 26-7 overall following a win over Southern Illinois in tournament activity on Saturday. As for Bradley, they’re 25-8 so far after taking out Indiana State in a close win during their tourney matchup. Check back all season long for free college basketball picks at Sports Chat Place.
Drake Bulldogs
Drake hit an 18-6 run over their first 24 games of the year, then finished off the regular season with wins over Valparaiso, Murray State, Southern Illinois, Northern Iowa, Belmont and Illinois State before a loss to Bradley. The Bulldogs beat Murray State in MVC Tournament action on Friday.
Matched up against Southern Illinois on Saturday, the Bulldogs jumped out to a 39-23 edge by halftime. Drake scored another 26 points in the second during a 65-52 victory. Roman Penn put up 16 points and Darnell Brodie added 10 points with 17 rebounds.
Bradley Braves
Over on the Bradley side, they were 16-8 at the 24-game mark this season. The Braves finished off the year on a seven-game win streak. In the Missouri Valley Tournament game against Northern Iowa on Friday, the Braves beat Northern Iowa 72-66.
In the tournament game versus Indiana State on Saturday, the Braves held a 35-34 advantage going into the second half. Bradley kept the pace with 36 points from there and won 71-70 in a thriller. Ja’Shon Henry led the way on 17 points and seven boards.
ANDREW’S FREE PICK
I’ll probably stick with Bradley here. You could make a case either way, though; this will be a great matchup. The Braves had a real scare versus Indiana State on Saturday but they were able to press through. Bradley has now won 12 straight and they’re generally scoring well. These teams last met in a 73-61 Bradley win on February 26, and also in an 86-61 Drake victory on January 14 at Knapp Center. This third meeting should be another coin flip, but I expect it to be a closer finish as well. Should be a fun one to watch regardless.