Overview
Two former Division II stalwarts will try to pick up their first-ever victory in the Division I NCAAB Tournament during the NCAA’s first four. Bryant, which was the runner-up in the 2005 Division II Tournament, made the lead to Division I by joining the Northeast Conference and were first postseason eligible during the 2012-13 season.
This year’s Bulldogs team became the first to break through, winning the NEC by taking the regular-season crown by one game before surviving a one-point scare in the conference semifinals on the way to the title.
Wright State, which won the Division II championship in 1983, is making its fourth appearance in the Division I Tournament. The Raiders three previous trips ended with double-digit losses to Power 5 programs.
This year’s Wright State team finished fourth in the Horizon League during the regular season. In the conference tournament, the Raiders had to overcome a 16-point deficit before beating Northern Kentucky by one point.
Last game records
Wright State beat Northern Kentucky 72-71 on March 8 in the Horizon League Tournament championship game. The Raiders are 21-13 this season. Bryant beat Wagner 70-43 in the NEC title game on March 8. The Bulldogs are 22-9 this season.
Matchup Information
Bryant at Wright State Betting Analysis
Wright State Raiders Betting Analysis
Betting guides show that Wright State has had its share of troubles in the NCAA Tournament. However, the Raiders closed this season on a five-game winning streak, winning four of those five games by ten or more points. Wright State had a brutal start to the season, losing seven of its first nine games.
The Raiders’ offense has been a strong shooting group this season. Wright State knocks down 46.6 percent of its shots this season, which ranks 54th nationally.
The Raiders also are in the top 100 in scoring offense, averaging 75.4 points per game to rank 68th. Wright State guard Tanner Holden is one of the nation’s top scorers.
Holden averages 19.8 points per game, which ranks 22nd, and also adds 7.1 rebounds per game. Grant Basile also gives the Raiders a strong second option on offense, averaging 18.4 points per game.
Bryant Bulldogs Betting Analysis
While sports betting guides show a winning streak heading into the NCAA Tournament doesn’t guarantee success, Bryant has to be happy with its seven-game winning streak. The Bulldogs have been spurred on this season by guard Peter Kiss. Kiss, who ranks first in the nation by averaging 25.1 points per game, also grabs 5.8 rebounds.
Bryant, which averages 77.0 points per game, makes 8.4 3-pointers per game but doesn’t shoot efficiently, only making 30.4 percent of its attempts. The Bulldogs, though, do have depth on offense.
Supporting Kiss is Charles Pride, who averages 18.5 points per game. Adham Eleeda also scores in double figures, contributing 10.3 points per game.
Bryant has scored 70 or more points in nine straight games. The Bulldogs shoot 43.7 percent from the field.
Team updates
- Bryant is 16-13-1 against the spread
- Wright State is 15-18 against the spread.
- The over has gone 16-14 in the Bulldogs’ games.
- Wright State has seen 18 of its 33 games go over the total.
- Bryant is 12-9 against the spread following a win.
- The Raiders are 12-8 against the spread following a win.
Bryant at Wright State Betting Preview
Wright State has gone through long periods of the season with inconsistent play. However, March Madness betting odds show that teams from the NEC have traditionally struggled in the NCAA Tournament. While Bryant’s story is a nice one, betting on March Madness isn’t traditionally profitable for people betting on teams just because they have a good storyline.
This should be a fun, up-tempo matchup. Expect Kiss and Bryant to be able to put up points, but Wright State will be able to trade punches with the Bulldogs.
Wright State is a two-point favorite. The Raiders are -132 on the moneyline, while Bryant is +112. The over/under is set at 152 points.
Bryant at Wright State Betting Prediction
Wright State showed during the Horizon League Tournament it is able to control its competition. The Raiders also showed in their gutsy win over Northern Kentucky that they aren’t easily rattled. Bryant hasn’t had too many stiff tests during the second half of the season against NEC competition.
The Bulldogs have been able to use their high-octane offense to run past many of their in-conference foes. However, Wright State will be able to slow Bryant down and score its first-ever victory in the Division I tournament.
When making your March Madness bets, include a bet on Wright State -2.
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