BU v WSU- Official Prediction

[BradleyJD]

Some numbers to look at first.....

*WSU won the first game 81-69 (halftime score was 39-38 WSU)
**WSU shot 52% for the game
*** WSU shot 17-20 on free throws
**** WSU hit 8 three-pointers for the game
*****WSU is 3-5 in road conference games
****** WSU is +70 in the 2nd half of their games

******BU is -25 in the 2nd half of their games
*****BU is 5-3 in home conference games
****Since the first match-up, BU has given up just 62.5 ppg
***1/2 of BU's twelve opponents have failed to reach 60 points in those games
**Bradley has allowed just 37.8% shooting from the field
*Sam and Chris combined for 38 points in the 1st match-up

The Keys to Victory:

1. WSU averaged just 59 points in their conference road losses. That is 10 below their regular average. BU must keep the game at their pace. The run and shot approach killed BU @ Wichita.

2. Bradley's three home Valley losses all featured blown leads. BU must maintain their level of play for a full 40 minutes. They did that against Drexel and it showed.

3. Bradley must keep the rebound numbers close. BU does not have to win the rebounding to win, but they must keep it close. Especially on the offensive end.

4. Bradley needs to use the Senior Night momentum and jump out early. It's hard to say this, as BU has blown many leads this season. But, Bradley needs to get an edge and keep the crowd in the game.


The must-wins really do not start until St. Louis. Obviously the seed that Bradley will get can still change with the last couple of games, but they do not HAVE to win.

That said, BU has won 4 of the last 6 games. The defense has been better in the last month or so. BU would like to see the defensive effort and the more patient offense continue into Arch Madness.

Senior night and the red out should be a make for a great atmosphere.

Bradley 67
Wichita State 61

[BradleyBrave]

I love BU in this one. WSU is out of gas, and just came off a long and fruitless road trip out west. Braves win on Senior Night 70-60.

[jeffsu]

I really like these prediction threads of yours, JD. I know you get pinned as being overly-negative on this board (which is neither here nor there right now) but I think your views on the past two games have been well researched and of good quality.

Keep it up!

Oh... and I agree

[BradleyJD]

I really like these prediction threads of yours, JD. I know you get pinned as being overly-negative on this board (which is neither here nor there right now) but I think your views on the past two games have been well researched and of good quality.

Keep it up!

Oh... and I agree

Well thank you sir.

Let's hope the score comes out right!

[shaunguth]

You forgot to mention that Evansville beat the mighty Shockers once and almost did it again. That's really all I need to know this is a very winnable game!

[SFP]

WSU is a team that will keep coming at you and will not stop until the final whistle. If we can block out, rebound and prevent 2nd baskets and continue to limit out turnovers we'll win! It was nice that we were able to use our bench in the Drexel game. The rest will serve us for this game. I like our chances, especially if CR has another monster game.

[jeffsu]

You forgot to mention that Evansville beat the mighty Shockers once and almost did it again. That's really all I need to know this is a very winnable game!

We better be studying the tapes of Evansville for this game. HARD. WSU clearly has more talent and Evansville took them to the wire both times.

[BU RICK]

WSU has always been one of my favorite Valley teams, Antoine Carr, Cliff Levingston (who also played good for the Bulls), Xavier McDaniel, just to name some that I remember. They, like we and others in our conference, have had many good teams and players

My prediction - BU 79 WSU 73 in a close well played game.

[peoriaspitfire]

Double OT. BU 88 WS 82 (no points for WS in the last OT)
DSE with a double/double!

[PTownHawkeye]

Bradley 77
WSU 65

Warren with 20, SM with 17.
TB 9 boards.

[SFP]

This game will not be determined on how many points our players score but how many rebounds. Our guys will have to get a bit physical and I really liked the way CR came through against Drexel. I will not be surprised to see him lead the team in rebounds this game. WE will need to step up his rebounding game also. TB is TB and when he wants to he can grab a 1/2 dozen by 1/2 time. Now does he want to sacrifice his offensive game doe his defensive game is the question. We know that CR will!

[wily coyote]

CR big as a going away present.

BU 70
wsu 65

[BradleyJD]

Seems like the sentiment is going to BU!

[BradleyJD]

The Keys to Victory:

1. WSU averaged just 59 points in their conference road losses. That is 10 below their regular average. BU must keep the game at their pace. The run and shot approach killed BU @ Wichita.

2. Bradley's three home Valley losses all featured blown leads. BU must maintain their level of play for a full 40 minutes. They did that against Drexel and it showed.

3. Bradley must keep the rebound numbers close. BU does not have to win the rebounding to win, but they must keep it close. Especially on the offensive end.

4. Bradley needs to use the Senior Night momentum and jump out early. It's hard to say this, as BU has blown many leads this season. But, Bradley needs to get an edge and keep the crowd in the game.


The must-wins really do not start until St. Louis. Obviously the seed that Bradley will get can still change with the last couple of games, but they do not HAVE to win.

That said, BU has won 4 of the last 6 games. The defense has been better in the last month or so. BU would like to see the defensive effort and the more patient offense continue into Arch Madness.

Senior night and the red out should be a make for a great atmosphere.

Bradley 67
Wichita State 61

Wow...I was off tonight, except the win part.

We failed to keep the game at our pace. (#1)
We failed to maintain our pace and energy and blew a huge lead. (#2)
We failed to keep the rebounding close (#3)

BU did do (#4)...they got out to the huge lead.

I guess you gotta take the win and move on.

I hope tonight's game is not a sign that BU is back to playing no D and giving up points in bunches.

BU gave up 47% shooting tonight.

This game looked more like early and mid season than the last 10 or so games.

But we won.

[bigdaddystuck]

As I said at the game....giving you any credit in your pregame analysis is funny! You are a perfect example of someone who leaned on your assistant coach and soaked up the cheers!!!