Bradley Braves (18-8) vs. Northern Iowa Panthers (14-12)
February 18, 2024 2:00 pm EDT
The Line: Northern Iowa Panthers +1.5; Over/Under: +140.5
(Get latest betting odds)
The Bradley Braves will play the Northern Iowa Panthers in a MVC game on Sunday afternoon at the McLeod Center in Cedar Falls, Iowa. Bradley has lost two of their last three games, while Northern Iowa has won two of their last three. Let’s take a look at the betting matchup and the Bradley vs Northern Iowa prediction.
Bradley Preview
The Bradley Braves are 18-8 (10-5) this season after they defeated UIC by a score of 85-73 in their last game. Bradley led 40-28 at halftime and scored 45 points in the second half for the win. The Braves shot 49.1% from the field and were +10 in rebounding margin in the game. Bradley lost to Drake by a score of 74-67 and Evansville by a score of 73-70 in the two games prior to UIC. The Braves are scoring 75.8 points per game with 34.9 rebounds per game and 13.9 assists per game, while allowing 68.1 points against per game this year. Connor Hickman is averaging 14.5 points per game, 3.0 rebounds per game, and 3.1 assists per game. Bradley is shooting 48% from the field, 71.1% on free throws, and 37.2% on three pointers this season.
Northern Iowa Preview
The Northern Iowa Panthers are 14-12 (8-7) this year after they defeated Valpo by a score of 86-67 in their last game. Northern Iowa led 38-26 at the half and scored 48 second half points in the win. The Panthers shot 66.7% from the field and had 14 turnovers in the game. Northern Iowa lost to UIC by a score of 71-65 in the game prior to Valpo, but they did beat Missouri State before that. The Panthers are scoring 72.7 points per game with 33.3 rebounds per game and 12.7 assists per game, while giving up 71 points against per game this season. Nate Heise is averaging 13.8 points per game, 6.2 rebounds per game, and 2.6 assists per game. Northern Iowa is shooting 46.2% from the field, 70.8% on free throws, and 35% on three pointers this year.
Bradley vs Northern Iowa Betting Prediction
Northern Iowa comes into this game after winning two of their last three games, but they did lose to Bradley by a score of 85-69 on January 31st. The Braves have dropped two of their last three games and they are 1-2 in their last three road games. Bradley is three games out of first place in the MVC, but they are in third place in the standings. Northern Iowa has been a bit inconsistent, as they have lost four of their last six games. The Braves are the better team in just about every metric in this matchup and I think they cruise to the win here. Take Bradley on the road.
