The Bradley Braves, averaging 74.6 points per game over their last five, are set to host the Illinois State Redbirds, who have been outscored by 1.4 points per game in the same stretch, in a crucial Missouri Valley Conference matchup. This game has real consequences for both teams' tournament resumes, with Bradley needing quality wins to build momentum and Illinois State looking to bounce back from a 50-54 loss to Southern Illinois. Over their last five games, Bradley has outscored opponents by 6.0 points per game, while Illinois State has struggled defensively, allowing 73 points per game.
Bradley's recent form has been impressive, with a 4-1 record over their last five games, including a 95-84 win over Belmont and a 87-73 win at Drake. They have been led by their high-powered offense, which has scored 70 or more points in four of their last five games. In contrast, Illinois State has gone 2-3 over their last five, with a notable 86-64 win over Valparaiso, but also a disappointing 56-83 loss at UIC. Illinois State's offense has been inconsistent, scoring 80 or more points in two of their last five games, but also being held to 50 or fewer points in one of those games.
Bradley's Home Dominance
Key Matchups
The matchup between these two teams will feature several key players, including Bradley's leading scorer, who has been on a hot streak, averaging 20.5 points per game over his last four games. Illinois State's leading rebounder has also been impressive, averaging 9.5 rebounds per game over his last five. The Redbirds must find a way to contain Bradley's offense, which has been clicking on all cylinders, scoring 74.6 points per game over their last five. Illinois State's defense has been a concern, allowing 73 points per game over their last five, and they must tighten up if they hope to come out on top.
The trends suggest that this game will be a high-scoring affair, with both teams capable of putting up big numbers. Bradley has scored 70 or more points in four of their last five games, while Illinois State has scored 80 or more points in two of their last five. The Braves have also been impressive on defense, allowing just 68.6 points per game over their last five, and they must continue that trend if they hope to come out on top. Illinois State, on the other hand, has struggled defensively, allowing 73 points per game over their last five, and they must find a way to slow down Bradley's offense.
CHD Scout Prediction
Illinois State
74
Bradley
73
The CHD Scout prediction has Illinois State winning by 0.7 points, with a 47.4% win probability for Bradley. This prediction is likely due to Illinois State's strong offense, which has averaged 71.6 points per game over their last five, as well as their ability to rebound, averaging 36.4 rebounds per game over their last five. However, Bradley's defense has been impressive, and they have a strong home-court advantage, having gone 12-2 at Carver Arena this season. The Braves have also been able to limit their opponents' scoring, allowing just 68.6 points per game over their last five, and they must continue that trend if they hope to come out on top.
The quad context for this game is also significant, with Bradley playing a Quad 3 game and Illinois State playing a Quad 2 game. A win for either team would be a significant boost to their tournament resume, and would help to strengthen their case for a postseason bid. Bradley has gone 5-3 in Quad 3 games this season, while Illinois State has gone 2-1 in Quad 2 games. The Redbirds have also struggled in Quad 1 games, going 0-3, and they must find a way to win games like this if they hope to make a deep run in the tournament.
Tournament Stakes
A win for Bradley would be a significant boost to their tournament resume, and would help to strengthen their case for a postseason bid. The Braves have gone 11-5 in conference play, and a win over Illinois State would give them a crucial victory over a team that is also battling for a tournament spot. On the other hand, a loss would be a significant setback for Bradley, and would make it difficult for them to make a case for a postseason bid. For Illinois State, a win would be a crucial step towards building a strong tournament resume, and would give them a much-needed quality win. The Redbirds have gone 9-7 in conference play, and a win over Bradley would give them a significant boost in the standings. A loss, on the other hand, would be a significant setback, and would make it difficult for them to make a case for a postseason bid.
In terms of recent form, both teams have been inconsistent, with Bradley going 4-1 over their last five games, and Illinois State going 2-3. However, the Braves have been impressive at home, going 12-2 at Carver Arena, and they want to use that to their advantage in this game. Illinois State, on the other hand, has struggled on the road, going 5-7, and they must find a way to overcome that if they hope to come out on top. The Redbirds have also been inconsistent on offense, scoring 80 or more points in two of their last five games, but also being held to 50 or fewer points in one of those games. They must find a way to be more consistent if they hope to win this game. With both teams needing a win to boost their tournament resumes, this game is shaping up to be a thrilling matchup between two teams that are desperate for a victory. The trends suggest that it will be a high-scoring affair, with both teams capable of putting up big numbers, and it will be interesting to see which team can come out on top.