- No. 10 Drake battles No. 7 Washington State in first-round March Madness action
- The Bulldogs are slim favorites over the Cougars in this neutral site game
- Read below for Drake vs Washington State odds, predictions and player props to bet
The Drake Bulldogs (28-6) and Washington State Cougars (24-9) will face off in an intriguing 7 vs 10 matchup in the first round of the NCAA Tournament on Thursday night. Tip-off is scheduled for 10:05pm ET at CHI Health Center in Omaha, Nebraska with the game televised on truTV.
Drake enters as a slight 1.5-point favorite with the over/under set at 138.5 points. College basketball player props have also been released, with oddsmakers forecasting a big evening from Bulldogs star Tucker DeVries.
Let’s analyze the Drake vs WSU odds, as we offer you our prediction and determine the best player props to bet.
Drake vs Washington State Odds
| Team | Spread | Moneyline | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| #10 Drake | -1.5 (-105) | -122 | Under 138.5 (-110) |
| #7 Washington State | +1.5 (-115) | +102 | Over 138.5 (-110) |
In the Drake vs Washington State odds, the Bulldogs are slim -122 favorites on the moneyline, giving them 55% implied win probability.
When it comes to the 2024 March Madness odds, both teams are massive longshots to win the tournament. But as we’ve seen in the past, anything can happen in the ‘The Big Dance’.
Odds as of March. 20, 2024. Sign up with the Fanatics Sportsbook promo code to make a wager on Drake vs Washington. Bettors can also check out the best March Madness sportsbook promos.
Drake Betting Analysis
The Bulldogs are back in the Big Dance for the third time in four years after winning the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament. Drake knocked off Indiana State 84-80 as a 3-point underdog in the MVC title game, capping an impressive run of three wins in three days. The Bulldogs have now won five straight and 10 of their last 11 games overall.
Drake boasts a high-powered offense that ranks 38th in KenPom’s adjusted offensive efficiency. The Bulldogs are led by star junior forward Tucker DeVries, who averages 21.8 points, 6.8 rebounds and 3.6 assists per game while shooting 46.5% from the field and 82.5% from the free throw line.
Tucker DeVries returns home to Omaha for the biggest stage of his career! ⁰⁰@Tucker_DeVries joins @annaambrose76 on the meaning of being back in his hometown.#MarchMadness | @UnionBankTrust pic.twitter.com/3zFvkVBx2c
— Hurrdat Sports (@HurrdatSports) March 20, 2024
Senior forward Darnell Brodie (11.3 ppg, 7.9 rpg) and junior guard Atin Wright (13.9 ppg) provide strong secondary scoring options for Drake. The Bulldogs shoot a solid 36.8% from three-point range as a team and make their free throws at a 76% clip, which could be key in a close game.
However, Drake has been inconsistent against the spread this season with a 18-15 ATS record. The Bulldogs are 5-2 ATS in neutral court games though. Drake has gone over the total in six of its last nine contests.
Washington State Betting Analysis
Washington State stumbled a bit down the stretch, losing three of its final six games including a 58-52 defeat to Colorado in the Pac-12 Tournament. However, the Cougars still put together an impressive season that included a win over 2-seed Arizona.
The Cougars hang their hat on the defensive end, ranking 27th in KenPom’s adjusted defensive efficiency. Opponents are shooting just 32% from beyond the arc against Washington State. The Cougars also do a great job on the glass, ranking in the top 50 nationally in both offensive and defensive rebounding percentage.
Offensively, Washington State is led by junior guard Isaac Jones, who averages 14.1 points on an efficient 58% shooting. The Cougars have a balanced attack with four players averaging over nine field goal attempts per game. Myles Rice (10.5 ppg) and Jaylen Wells (9.8 ppg) are streaky scorers capable of big games.
Washington State ended the regular season with a 16-15 record ATS and went 3-3 ATS in neutral site games. The Cougars have gone under the total in six of their last eight contests.
While Drake is fully healthy entering this one, WSU does have a couple of injuries to note. The Cougars will be without reserve guard Joseph Yesufu, who is out for the season with a hip injury. Guard Dylan Darling, meanwhile. is questionable with a back injury.
Drake vs Washington State Player Props
This section will be updated with Drake vs. Washington player props once they are readily available at March Madness betting sites.
Drake vs Washington State Prediction
This shapes up as one of the most evenly-matched games of the first round. Drake’s offense vs Washington State’s defense is a classic clash of strengths. In a tight game, the edge usually goes to the better offensive team that can create shots and make free throws. That favors Drake with a dynamic scorer like DeVries.
However, Washington State’s size advantage can’t be overlooked, especially if it can dominate the offensive glass and get the Bulldogs in foul trouble. The Cougars also have the benefit of playing a tougher schedule in the Pac-12 compared to Drake in the MVC.
Ultimately, I give a slight lean to Drake -1.5 thanks to its free throw shooting and shotmaking ability with DeVries. But this is a toss-up that could easily go either way. The under 138.5 is appealing given Washington State’s defensive prowess and slower tempo.
Thursday March Madness Picks:
- Drake -1.5 (-105)
- Under 138.5 Points (-110)
On March 21, college basketball fans will be treated to an exciting matchup between the Drake Bulldogs and the Washington State Cougars. Both teams have had successful seasons so far, and this game is sure to be a thrilling one for fans and bettors alike.
When it comes to betting on this game, there are a few key factors to consider. Let’s take a look at the odds, predictions, and player props for this matchup.
Odds:
As of now, the odds for this game are fairly close, with Drake being slight favorites. The Bulldogs have a -2.5 point spread, while the over/under is set at 138.5 points. This indicates that oddsmakers expect a close and high-scoring game.
Predictions:
In terms of predictions, both teams have shown they are capable of pulling off upsets and playing well against tough competition. Drake has a strong offense led by standout guard Roman Penn, while Washington State boasts a solid defense that could give the Bulldogs trouble.
Ultimately, this game could go either way, but based on recent performances and overall talent, Drake may have a slight edge in this matchup. Look for them to come out strong and potentially cover the spread.
Player Props:
When it comes to player props, keep an eye on Roman Penn for Drake. He has been a key player for the Bulldogs all season and could have a big impact on this game. Look for him to score points and dish out assists to help lead his team to victory.
On the Washington State side, Isaac Bonton is a player to watch. He has been a scoring machine for the Cougars and could be a difference-maker in this game. Look for him to put up big numbers and keep his team in contention.
Overall, this game is shaping up to be an exciting one for both fans and bettors. Keep an eye on the odds, predictions, and player props to make informed decisions when placing your bets on this matchup between Drake and Washington State.
