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The Drake Bulldogs (28-6) battle the Washington State Cougars (24-9) in the 1st round of the East Region Thursday from CHI Health Center Omaha. Tip is set for 10:05 p.m. ET (truTV). Below, we analyze FanDuel Sportsbook’s lines around the Drake vs. Washington State odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and best bets.
Washington State, a 7 seed in the tournament, lost to the Colorado Buffaloes 58-52 in the Pac-12 Tournament, failing to cover as a 3-point underdog. The Cougars lost 3 of their last 6 games yet do have a win over 2nd-seeded Arizona. The Cougars ended the regular season with a 16-15 against the spread (ATS) record. They are 3-3 ATS in neutral-court games this season.
The Bulldogs went on a run and won the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament, beating Indiana State 84-80 as a 3-point underdog. They won and covered in all 3 conference tournament games despite being 15-15 ATS on the season. Drake has won 5 straight and 10 of its last 11. It is 5-2 ATS in neutral-court games this season.
Rankings: USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll
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Drake vs. Washington State odds
Provided by FanDuel Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Wednesday at 2:46 p.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Drake -118 (bet $118 to win $100) | Washington State +102 (bet $100 to win $102)
- Against the spread (ATS): Drake -1.5 (-105) | Washington State +1.5 (-115)
- Over/Under (O/U): 138.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)
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Drake vs. Washington State picks and predictions
Prediction
Washington State 73, Drake 69
Moneyline
BET WASHINGTON STATE (+102).
The Cougars have struggled as of late, but they have more quality wins and more efficient play than Drake. The Bulldogs also have a softer strength of schedule which should start to be an important metric.
The Cougars’ best player, G Isaac Jones, shoots 58% from the field. The top 3 options for Drake all shoot under 46% from the field. Washington State also has a better defense, sitting 27th in Kenpom’s adjusted defensive rating while Drake is 75th.
The Bulldogs should also be public favorites which, from a betting perspective, would help the rationale for Washington State. Regardless of that note, take WASHINGTON STATE (+102).
Against the spread
PASS.
The moneyline offers better value when taking the underdog, so looks there for the best team-specific play.
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Over/Under
LEAN OVER 138.5 (-105).
Both teams have trended Under on the season, but have trended Over as of late. Drake has gone Over in 3 of its last 6 and is 3-2-1 O/U in that span. Washington State is a similar story, going 2-2-1 O/U in its last 5 games. It has scored at least 75 in 3 of its last 5.
Both teams have top-65 offensive ratings per Kenpom as well, so they should be able to score consistently. Back OVER 138.5 (-110).
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