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This Thursday night play-in game between the Drake Bulldogs and the Wichita State Shockers is set to be a fun one. It’s time to continue our NCAA odds series and make a Drake-Wichita State prediction and pick.
This Drake (25-4) squad has been one of the quiet monsters in college basketball this season. We all know what Wichita State (16-5) is capable of doing once the calendar hits March. This matchup features two hungry teams looking to enter the round of 64 as an 11-seed. These games are always thrillers and we know one of these two is capable of making a deep Cinderella run. Let’s kick off our NCAA Odds series and make a Drake-Wichita State prediction and pick.
Here is how the sportsbooks have set the opening Drake-Wichita State odds:
NCAA Odds: Drake-Wichita State Odds
Drake Bulldogs +1 (-108)
Wichita State Shockers -1 (-112)
Over 140.5 Points (-11o)
Under 140.5 Points (-110)
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Why Drake Could Cover The Spread
The Drake Bulldogs have been the second-best team in the nation when it comes to covering spreads. They enter the dance at 21-6 against the spread and 2-2 ATS as an underdog this season. This is a team that seems destined to make a run past the play-in round. Their roster is one of the deepest in the nation as five of their guys are averaging double figures. They have been playing good basketball of late as well. Drake is 6-2 ATS in its past eight games and has some impressive wins along the way.
This team has quietly put up top-50 numbers in the country in multiple statistical categories this season. Many don't realize this because the Bulldogs are hidden in the Missouri Valley Conference, though. Drake is a top-50 team in terms of total score, field-goal percentage, 3-point percentage, points allowed, and rebounding. The Bulldogs have averaged 78 points per game on 49% shooting on their way to the Big Dance. Going 16-4 SU in their last 20 games, the Drake Bulldogs enter March Madness on a hot streak.
Why Wichita State Could Cover The Spread
I can never figure out what it is with this team, but they always seem to show up for this tournament. The Shockers enter Thursday's game with a record of 10-3 ATS in their past 13 March games. We'd have to assume this has a direct correlation with the team defense that this team possesses every year. Wichita State enters this game as the 26th best team in the nation in terms of opponents' field goal percentage. Although the Shockers are in the bottom 10% in the country in rebounding, they are certainly going to smother you on defense.
New head coach Isaac Brown has had a terrific rookie season with the Shockers. His squad seems to play with some added juice when favored, going 10-1 ATS as the odds on favorite in 2021. The Shockers lean on sophomore guard Tyson Etienne to lead their offense. He averaged over 17 points-per-game this season and is the X-factor for the Shockers if they want to come away victorious. They are definitely hot coming in, winning eight of their last nine games to date. These two teams have an interesting head-to-head history as well. Wichita State owns this series with a record of 10-0 SU.
Final Drake-Wichita State Prediction & Pick
Leave no doubt about it, this game is going to be a dogfight. The Drake Bulldogs have a ton to prove as they come into this game as the underdog despite having an incredible season. Oddsmakers seem to be leaning on Wichita State's defensive prowess and track record in March. I'm leaning on the fact that Drake is a top-50 team in the country in many aspects and brings a deeper roster into this game. The disparity on the boards and the offensive firepower that Drake possesses gives them the edge. Give me Drake to win this game in what is essentially a pick'em.
FINAL PICK: Drake +1 (-108)
