Quick Picks with Coach Rick Bowe, CBB Picks, CBB Free Picks, CBB Predictions 1/7/26

Quick Picks with Coach Rick Bowe, CBB Picks, CBB Free Picks, CBB Predictions 1/7/26

DRAKE @ BRADLEY (BRAD -5.5, 144.5)

After defeating Indiana State 74-72 in their most recent game, the Drake Bulldogs are 8-7 (2-2) this season. Drake trailed 39-33 at halftime, but they overcame it with 41 points in the second half. During the game, the Bulldogs made 35% of their three-pointers, 44% of their free throws, and 53% of their field goals. Jaehshon Thomas contributed 16 points and three rebounds to the victory, while Jalen Quinn led Drake with 18 points and five assists.

Drake had previously defeated Evansville 66-65 but had lost to Illinois State 73-56. This season, the Bulldogs have averaged 77.2 points, 35.5 rebounds, and 14.6 assists per game, while giving up 69.6 points per game. For the Bulldogs, Okku Federiko averages 12.6 points and 6.2 rebounds per game, while Jalen Quinn averages 17.3 points and 3.9 rebounds. This season, Drake is shooting 36.3% from three-point range, 73.4% from free throws, and 46.2% from the field.

After losing to Murray State 86-66 in their most recent game, the Bradley Braves are at 10-6 (3-2) on the season. Bradley was behind 50-32 at the break and was never able to rally in the second half of the defeat. During the game, the Braves made 39% of their three-pointers, 81% of their free throws, and 33% of their field goals. Demarion Burch contributed 13 points and two assists in the defeat, while Ahmet Jonovic led Bradley with 13 points and six rebounds.

Bradley had defeated Evansville 76-68 before that game, but had previously lost to Belmont 88-78. This season, the Braves have averaged 77.5 points, 34.6 rebounds, and 12.9 assists per game, while giving up 71.6 points per game. For the Braves, Demarion Burch averages 11.6 points and 2.6 rebounds per game, while Jaquan Johnson averages 17.2 points and 3.4 assists. This season, Bradley is shooting 43.3% from the field, 73.1% on free throws, and 34.8% on three-pointers.

FREE PICK: BRADLEY -5.5

This is not the Drake team of the last few seasons. Gone are Darian DeVries and Ben McCollum, who took the Bulldogs to a combined four NCAA tournaments over the past seven seasons. Eric Henderson takes over as the new head coach and Drake does maintain a more deliberate style of play, but they are just 8-7 this season. Bradley has won 6 straight at home (9-2 overall). They lead the MVC in steals, turnovers, and they hold opponents to 66 ppg at home. The Braves have an average margin of victory of +12 at home and they haven't been favored by this many points against Drake in years.

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Ylose expert Coach Rick Bowe delivers his daily Quick Picks. The Coach continues to roll up big wins in college basketball, college football, the NFL, MLB and much more. Coach Rick offers a unique perspective to handicapping. Check out his daily free picks right here and jump on his daily Best Bets, which you can find right here at Ylose.com/coach.