Thursday Night Arch Madness Games

[PocketAces]

Opening Lines given. Higher seed in CAPS.

SOUTHERN ILLINOIS (-1.5) vs. Illinois State

The Salukis were a woeful 2-10-1 ATS in their last 13 games including 2 money line losers to the Redbirds. SIU only covered in two games away from their home arena all year (2-8-1 ATS). They were also only 2-8-1 ATS as a favorite this year. Illinois State was a bit better at 5-6 ATS in their last 11 games. They were 6-5-1 in games away from home this year and were 7-8 ATS as underdogs. Each team won by 4 on their home floor when the teams met during the regular season. Those ATS numbers for SIU are really bad. There is no reason to think those away from home numbers turn around at this stage of the year. PREDICTION: Illinois State 60-57.


Bradley (-1) vs. DRAKE

The Braves finished as one of the hottest Valley teams in terms of money winners going 7-1 ATS in their last 8 games. They were also 5-3 SU in those games. They were a respectable 7-5 ATS on the road this year and have covered their last 4 road games. They were 3-2 ATS as favorites against conference teams. The teams split the season series, each winning at home. Bradley just defeated Drake by 26 on the last regular season game. Drake also did very well on the line to finish the year going 9-3 ATS in their last 12. They were 6-8 ATS away from home this year, and were only 3-6 ATS against conference teams when away from home. The Bulldogs were 10-10 ATS as underdogs this year, but were 6-2 ATS in their last 8 as underdogs. Two hot teams ATS down the stretch make this a tough call despite that huge Bradley win in the last game. The fact that the 10 seed is a favorite over the 7 seed tells you all you need to know. Take Bradley in a small play. PREDICTION: Bradley 66-61.