Last year, the Drake Bulldogs (28-6, 16-4 MVC) nearly toppled Miami in the tournament’s opening round, a team that charged all the way to the Final Four – a testament to the might of the Missouri Valley Conference champs. Under Darian DeVries, Drake is dancing again, and they’re even more formidable this year.
Ranked in the top 50 in offense and just inside the top 80 in defense, Drake’s sharpshooting prowess is back, thanks in no small part to Tucker DeVries. A master from beyond the arc and a versatile scorer, the 6-foot-7 senior is a playmaking force and rebounder poised to propel Drake past top-tier opponents.
The Washington State Cougars (24-9, 14-6 Pac-12) transformed their season in Pac-12 play, clinching a tournament spot with a notable road win against Arizona. Their trio, Isaac Jones, Myles Rice, and Jaylen Wells, bring a potent mix of scoring, rebounding, and defense.
Jones, a standout from Idaho last year, has brought his A-game, while Rice, despite his shooting woes, is a playmaker and defensive catalyst. The Cougars are battle-hardened, excelling in defense and rebounding.
However, they must elevate their three-point shooting game and stay consistent at the free-throw line to carve a path through the tournament.
No. 10 Drake vs No. 7 Washington State Odds & Details
- Date: Thursday, March 21, 2024
- Time: 10:05 p.m. ET
- Watch: TruTV
- Location: CHI Heath Center Arena; Omaha, NE
- Spread: Drake -1.5 (-105), Washington State +1.5 (-115)
- Moneyline: Drake (-120), Washington State (+100)
- Total: Over/Under 137.5 (-110, -110)
Drake vs Washington State Betting Preview
In a gripping first-round face-off, Drake, a top offensive mid-major team, and Washington State, known for their staunch defense, are set to clash. Drake, which boasts a strong record, including a significant Missouri Valley Tournament title win, faces a tough opponent in Washington State.
The Cougars, with their impressive 27th rank in adjusted defensive efficiency and ability to limit teams to under 67 points per game, present a formidable challenge to Drake’s three-point-reliant offense.
Both teams have notable victories this season, but Washington State’s defense might edge out Drake’s offensive prowess. The Cougars have also shown strength against high-caliber opponents, bolstering their credentials with a higher strength of schedule.
Key factors such as Drake’s reliance on three-point shooting and Washington State’s slow tempo and rebounding advantage could be decisive, particularly with players like Isaac Jones and Oscar Cluff in the paint.
While Drake leans heavily on Tucker DeVries for scoring, Washington State’s offense is more distributed, potentially offering them a steadier performance. Despite both teams having their moments of inconsistency, Washington State’s balanced approach on both ends of the court could see them through in what promises to be a closely contested battle.
I take the points in a tough-to-crack, coin-flip matchup. Give me the Cougars in a close one that just falls Under the total.
PREDICTION: Washington State wins 68-67
BET: Washington State +1.5 (-115)
BET: Under 137.5 (-110)
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