Upcoming Match-ups

Drake vs Missouri State Odds and Picks (Jan 2)

Daniel Coyle

by Daniel Coyle in College Basketball

Updated Jan 2, 2022 · 7:42 AM PST

Drake guard Tucker Devries dribbling against defender
Alabama forward Noah Gurley, left, defends against Drake guard Tucker Devries during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game Friday, Nov. 26, 2021, in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. (AP Photo/Jacob M. Langston)
  • The Missouri State Bears vie for a fifth straight home victory when they host the conference rival Drake Bulldogs on Sunday as betting favorites
  • The Bears have won five of six overall, but have lost outright in five of six home dates with Drake
  • Read on for all the odds and trends ahead of Sunday night’s matchup at JQH Arena

The Missouri State Bears will bid for a fifth straight outright win on home hardwood when they host the surging Drake Bulldogs on Sunday as 4-point favorites.

Tip off is set for 8pm ET on Sunday night on the Bears’ home court at JQH Arena.

Drake vs Missouri State Odds

Team Spread Total Moneyline
Drake Bulldogs +4 (-110) Ov 137.5 (-110) +150
Missouri State Bears -4 (-110) Un 137.5 (-110) -182

*Odds at DraftKings as of January 2, 2022.

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Bulldogs vs Bears Betting Trends

Sunday night’s matchup marks the first of two scheduled meetings this season between these Missouri Valley Conference rivals.

The Bulldogs have dominated in recent clashes between these clubs, winning and covering in nine of 11, including all three meetings last season. Drake has been particularly dominant when facing the Bears on the road, going 5-1 over the past six including three outright wins as road underdogs.

Low scoring has been commonplace in recent matchups. Total points have reached 140 or higher in four of their past six dates, spawning a 5-1 run for the OVER in totals betting. The Bulldogs enter Sunday’s action riding a two-game win streak ATS after opening their campaign on a dismal 1-9 ATS run. The Bears have been far more reliable at the sportsbooks, covering in five of their past six outings, and are also 5-1 ATS in their past six as home chalk.

Drake Bulldogs Outlook

The Bulldogs get set to resume their conference schedule after romping to an 82-53 win over the Division II Mount Marty Lancers last Tuesday. The club has turned things around since opening their campaign on a 2-3 run against Division I opponents.

The Bulldogs have gone 6-1 in their past seven, with their lone defeat over that stretch coming in a heartbreaking 90-80 overtime loss to Clemson. However, Drake has enjoyed the benefit of a somewhat favorable schedule during their current surge. None of their recent wins have come against teams among the top 100 in the KenPom ratings.

While the Bulldogs have enjoyed the benefit of facing overmatched opponents, they have suffered no letdown. The team have claimed victory by an average margin of 24.3 points during their current 4-0 run. Drake also sports a 10-2 record over their past 12 road dates, including a 78-73 win over the Bears in January 2021.

Tucker DeVries has powered the Drake attack of late. The freshman guard has averaged 16.3 points per game over his past seven outings, and leads the squad with 13.5 points per game. ShanQuan Hemphill looked to be rounding into form as the holiday season approached, but the status of the senior big man remains uncertain after he missed last week’s contest due to an undisclosed injury.

Missouri State Bears Outlook

The Bears also enjoyed an opportunity to beat up on a Division II opponent over the holidays, facing little resistance in a crushing 103-56 victory over the Evangel Crusaders last Thursday. In addition to extending their current win streak on home court, the victory also marked the fourth time in six outings that Missouri State outpaced an opponent by double digits.

Slow starts remain somewhat of a concern for this club, which has struggled to establish first-half leads in two of their past three games versus Division I opponents. However, with the exception of their recent 75-58 loss to Saint Mary’s, finding a high gear after recess has not been a problem for the Bears. The club has averaged 43 second-half points over their past five games.

Isiaih Mosley has emerged as the clear offensive leader on this club. The junior guard needed just 18 minutes to rack up 22 points in last week’s win over Evangel, and have averaged 21 points per game in his last six overall appearances. However, he went a dismal 2-for-9 for just five points in his last appearance against Drake in early March.

The Pick: Bulldogs +4 (-110)

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