Dave's College Basketball Picks, Jan. 31: Bradley at Illinois State

Bradley (13-8, 7-3) at Illinois State (17-4, 6-4)

Line: Illinois State -9

Bradley enters a crucial 2 game stretch starting Saturday on the road against 3^rd place Illinois State. If the Braves can navigate past the Red Birds, they would be in position to at least come within a game of Northern Iowa when they host the Panthers on Tuesday. The remaining schedule after Northern Iowa is not a particularly difficult one for the Braves. Bradley has won their last two games, but both came at home against lesser teams (Indiana State and Wichita State).

Illinois State also has their eyes on the league title, but faces a tougher climb down three games. If they fall just short, they will think back to the 4 point loss suffered Wednesday at Northern Iowa. The Red Birds made just two free throws and were not able to hold onto a halftime lead.

ATS-

Bradley is 10-7 ATS including 4-4 on the road

Bradley is 8-2 ATS against Illinois State in their last 10 match ups

Illinois State is 9-8 ATS including 6-3 at home

Illinois State has had great success at home this season, but Bradley has been just as good on the road. The Braves are 3-2 straight up on the road in the Missouri Valley, and their two losses were by a combined 11 points. I like Bradley to cover here and contend for an outright victory.

Dave’s pick: Bradley +9

See all of Dave's College Basketball Picks Against the Spread at cbbplace.com