UIC Flames (12-20) vs. Bradley Braves (21-10)
March 8, 2024 9:30 pm EDT
The Line: Bradley Braves -12.5; Over/Under: +133.5
(Get latest betting odds)
The UIC Flames will play the Bradley Braves in the Quarterfinals of the MVC Tournament on Friday night at the Enterprise Center in St. Louis, Missouri. Let’s take a look at the UIC preview, Bradley preview, betting matchup, and the UIC vs Bradley prediction.
UIC Preview
The UIC Flames are 12-20 (4-16) this season after they defeated SIU in double overtime by a score of 84-82 in their last game. UIC led 41-27 at halftime, but they only scored 22 second half points, before pulling out the win in overtime. The Flames shot 49.3% from the field and were +2 in rebounding margin in the game. UIC had lost their previous three games against Missouri State, Drake, and Indiana State. The Flames are scoring 70.6 points per game with 33.5 rebounds per game and 14.1 assists per game, while allowing 71.1 points against per game this season. Isaiah Rivera is averaging 15.2 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game. UIC is shooting 44.2% from the field, 69.1% on free throws, and 37.1% on three pointers this year.
Bradley Preview
The Bradley Braves are 21-10 (13-7) this year after they lost to Drake by a score of 74-66 in their last game. Bradley trailed 43-29 at halftime, but did out score Drake 37-31 in the second half in the loss. The Braves shot 50.9% from the field and had 16 turnovers in the game. Bradley had won their previous three games against SIU, Illinois State, and Missouri State. The Braves are scoring 74.8 points per game with 34.5 rebounds per game and 13.4 assists per game, while giving up 67.5 points against per game this year. Duke Deen is averaging 14.3 points per game, 3.2 rebounds per game, and 3.9 assists per game. Bradley is shooting 47.4% from the field, 72.6% on free throws, and 36.8% on three pointers this season.
UIC vs Bradley Betting Prediction
UIC was only 4-16 in conference play this season and they finished second to last in the MVC standings, but they were able to knock off SIU in double overtime on Thursday. Bradley was 13-7 in conference play and they finished third in the standings, but they need to be on upset alert here after UIC’s win on Thursday. The Braves have won three of their last four games and they defeated UIC by scores of 85-73 and 77-59 in the regular season. UIC has played pretty well in their last few games, but I don’t think they matchup very well with Bradley. I like Bradley to win this game easily.
