Drake Bulldogs vs Belmont Bruins Betting Preview
The Drake Bulldogs head to Nashville to face the Belmont Bruins in a Missouri Valley Conference matchup at the Curb Event Center. Drake enters with a 12-11 record and looks to rebound after a loss to Bradley, while Belmont aims to defend its 10-2 home mark after a dominant win over Murray State. With the Bruins favored by 10.5 points, this contest highlights a battle between Drake’s perimeter shooting and Belmont’s offensive efficiency.
Line Movement and Odds
Belmont is favored, but Drake’s road success makes this line worth tracking. Current market:
- Drake Spread: +10.5 (-111)
- Belmont Spread: -10.5 (-113)
- Drake MoneyLine: +453
- Belmont MoneyLine: -705
- Total: 153.5 (-110)
Check the college basketball picks for real-time updates, especially as bettors weigh Belmont’s home strength against Drake’s ability to keep games close.
Matchup Breakdown
Drake Outlook
The Bulldogs average 77.2 points per game, with Jalen Quinn, Andrew Alia, and Tucker DeVries leading the offense. Quinn’s 32 points vs Bradley highlighted his consistency, while Alia’s double-double showcased his rebounding. Drake’s efficiency (12-11 overall record; 6-3 on the road; 9.3 made threes per game, 98th nationally) underscores their strengths. Their ability to score from the perimeter makes them dangerous even as underdogs.
Belmont Outlook
The Bruins average 83.2 points per game, with Tyler Lundblade, Drew Scharnowski, and Eoin Dillon driving production. Lundblade’s 27 points vs Murray State highlighted his scoring, while Scharnowski’s double-double showcased his rebounding. Belmont’s efficiency (20-3 overall record; 10-2 at home; 51.5% FG shooting, 4th nationally; 39.6% three-point shooting, top 10 nationally) underscores their strengths. Their ability to score efficiently and defend at home makes them tough to beat in Nashville.
Key Factors
This matchup may hinge on perimeter shooting and tempo. Drake thrives on Quinn’s scoring and Alia’s rebounding, while Belmont must rely on Lundblade’s hot hand and Scharnowski’s consistency to tilt the game. Execution in the final minutes will likely decide the margin.
Injuries / Availability
Drake: The Bulldogs report no fresh injury concerns heading into Tuesday’s contest.
Belmont: The Bruins are expected to have their full rotation available.
Environment
The Curb Event Center has been a stronghold for Belmont, where they’ve gone 10-2 this season. Drake, however, has shown resilience with six road wins, making this a clash of Bruins’ home dominance versus Bulldogs’ perimeter firepower.
Best Bets and Prediction
Projected Final Score: Belmont 82, Drake 75
- Drake +10.5 → Best Bet. Their offensive pace and perimeter shooting suggest they can keep the game closer than expected.
- Over 153.5 → Total play. Both teams’ scoring potential points toward a combined score above the line.
Belmont’s depth and efficient shooting should carry them to victory, while Drake’s perimeter accuracy keeps the spread competitive. Expect a contest that leans higher-scoring, with totals landing comfortably over the posted number.
Handicappers and Service Plays
Missouri Valley games often spotlight tempo mismatches and perimeter battles. Our Best Handicappers highlight analysts who specialize in mid-major conference trends, while the Leaderboard tracks who’s delivering consistent returns. For Drake vs Belmont, expert breakdowns in college basketball picks can help bettors decide whether the spread or total offers the sharper edge.


