Drake vs Murray State Prediction 1-5-25 College Basketball Picks
Murray State (7-7) vs. Drake (12-1)
January 5, 2025 3:00 pm EDT
The Line: Drake -9.5; Over/Under: +126.5
(Get latest betting odds)
The Murray State Racers and Drake Bulldogs meet Sunday in college basketball action at the Knapp Center. Here’s a Drake vs Murray State Prediction. This article will include a Drake vs Murray State Pick.
Murray State Racers Betting Preview
The Murray State Racers lost to Illinois State, beat Loyola Chicago, and they play Northern Iowa, Valparaiso, and UIC next. The Murray State Racers are averaging 76.1 points on 45.7 percent shooting and allowing 69.5 points on 47.7 percent shooting. JaCobi Wood is averaging 14.1 points and 3.8 rebounds, while Kylen Milton is averaging 13 points and 4.5 rebounds. AJ Ferguson is the third double-digit scorer and Terrence Harcum is grabbing 1.5 rebounds. The Murray State Racers are shooting 36 percent from beyond the arc and 69.8 percent from the free throw line. The Murray State Racers are allowing 29.3 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 29.9 rebounds per game.
Drake Bulldogs Betting Preview
The Drake Bulldogs beat Belmont, lost to UIC, and they play Bradley, Evansville, and Illinois State next. The Drake Bulldogs are averaging 73.5 points on 49.7 percent shooting and allowing 57.7 points on 42.1 percent shooting. Bennett Stirtz is averaging 18.7 points and 4.2 rebounds, while Daniel Abreu is averaging 12.3 points and 1 assist. Mitch Mascari is the third double-digit scorer and Cam Manyawu is grabbing 6.9 rebounds. The Drake Bulldogs are shooting 34.4 percent from beyond the arc and 70.4 percent from the free throw line. The Drake Bulldogs are allowing 29.9 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 30.1 rebounds per game.
Why the Drake Bulldogs will win
- Drake has won each of its last 28 games at Knapp Center.
- Murray State has lost each of its last five road games against the Missouri Valley Conference.
- Drake has won the first half in each of its last 10 games against non-AP-ranked opponents.
Total Points Facts
- Twenty-five of Drake’s last 27 games against Conference opponents have produced a total of 128+ points.
- Each of Murray State’s last eight Sunday games against the Missouri Valley Conference has produced a total of 130+ points.
Matchup/League Facts
- Drake ranks 1st among Division 1 teams for opponent rebounds per game this season (23.8).
- Drake ranks 3rd among Division 1 teams for opponent field goal attempts per game this season (47.3).
- Murray State ranks 1st among Division 1 teams for opponent assists per game this season (7.5).
- Murray State ranks 1st among Division 1 teams for opponent assist-to-turnover ratio this season (0.56).
Drake vs Murray State Injury Report
Neither Drake nor Murray State have a player listed on its injury report.
Drake vs Murray State Prediction
The Murray State Racers have had issues defensively all season, and that’s not ideal when going up against a Drake team that shoots almost 50 percent from the field. Drake is 19th in offensively field goal percentage and also defends even better. Drake is fourth in points allowed per game and top-70 in three-point defensive percentage. This feels like a horrible matchup for Murray State, and the Racers are 3-6-1 ATS in their last 10 games. Drake is undefeated at home and has won and covered each of the last five games against Murray State. Give me Drake in a comfortable home victory.
