The Valparaiso Crusaders and Bradley Braves meet Saturday in college basketball action at the Carver Arena. The Valparaiso Crusaders look for a win after losing six of their last nine games. The Bradley Braves look for a win after winning eight of their last 11 games.
The Valparaiso Crusaders are averaging 71.4 points on 46.2 percent shooting and allowing 70.8 points on 45.5 percent shooting. Ben Krikke is averaging 14.7 points and 4.5 rebounds, while Kobe King is averaging 14.1 points and 4.7 rebounds. Kevion Taylor is the third double-digit scorer and Sheldon Edwards is grabbing 3.9 rebounds. The Valparaiso Crusaders are shooting 33.7 percent from beyond the arc and 74.9 percent from the free throw line. The Valparaiso Crusaders are allowing 35.7 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 29.3 rebounds per game.
The Bradley Braves are averaging 70.9 points on 44.6 percent shooting and allowing 65.5 points on 40.3 percent shooting. Terry Roberts is averaging 14.8 points and 5 rebounds, while Rienk Mast is averaging 11.3 points and 8.2 rebounds. Ja’Shon Henry is the third double-digit scorer and Malevy Leons is grabbing 6.1 rebounds. The Bradley Braves are shooting 34.3 percent from beyond the arc and 68.1 percent from the free throw line. The Bradley Braves are allowing 32.2 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 36.2 rebounds per game.
The Beacons are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games overall. The Braves are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 home games and 4-1 ATS in their last 5 Saturday games. The over is 7-1 in Beacons last 8 overall. The under is 5-1 in Braves last 6 overall. The home team is 8-2 ATS in the last 10 meetings.
The Valparaiso Beacons are a subpar team that struggles to keep up with above average competition, and they lose in the underdog role by an average of 7.2 points. The Bradley Braves win at home by an average of 11.8 points, and they’re 8-4 against the spread at home, along with being 16-12 against the spread at home. I have to side with Bradley at home.