Washington State vs. Drake Prediction, Best Bets, and Odds

• Drake has won 12 of their last 14 games

• Tucker DeVries averages the sixth-most points in the country (21.8 PPG)

• Washington State is 3-3 over their last six games

Thursday night will feature one of the most exciting first-round March Madness matchups. On one side, we have Drake, who won the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament to secure their spot in the Big Dance. On the other hand, we have a Washington State team whose future is uncertain, with ten Pac-12 teams set to depart next season. Both will have extra motivation to win, but only one will advance.

Below, we will break down the latest odds and insights into Drake vs. Washington State, giving you everything you need to bet on it confidently.

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#7 Washington State vs. #10 Drake State Prediction and Odds

Washington State

The Cougars had one of their best seasons in recent memory, but things fell apart after their road win against a fourth-ranked Arizona team. Many thought the win would propel them to a Pac-12 title, but the team lost three of their next six games. While one loss came in a close game against Colorado in the Pac-12 Final, the other two came against bad teams in Arizona State and Washington. 

The Cougars' success this season has come from their defense. They were second in the Pac-12 in opponent scoring, allowing 66.9 PPG. They shut down an elite Arizona defense twice, showing that they are capable of containing offenses like Drake. The problem is their ability to score, finishing seventh in the conference with 74.3 PPG. That will make it hard to keep up with DeVries and the Bulldogs tonight. 

Washington State did not fare as well in neutral court games, going 3-3. Like Drake, the Cougars were not as impressive against the spread, going 17-16.

Drake Bulldogs

It's hard not to cheer for this mid-major. Drake is led by head coach Darian DeVries, whose son, Tucker DeVries, is the team’s leading scorer. They finished the season with an impressive 28-6 record, winning 12 of their last 14 games. The Bulldogs haven’t faced any Power 5 teams but have won against four tournament teams. They defeated Oakland, Akron, Grambling State, and an outstanding Nevada team. Three of those came on neutral courts, and the Bulldogs came close to adding another in a one-point overtime loss at UAB.

Drake is a well-balanced team. They finished in the top five of the MVC in scoring (80.5 PPG), field goal percentage (47.9%), three-point percentage (36.7%), rebounding (34.4 RPG), opponent scoring (70.5 PPG), and point differential (+9.9). Their success is partly due to guard Tucker DeVries, who averages the sixth-most points in the country (21.8 PPG).

Drake went 6-1 in neutral court games this season. The Bulldogs' overall record is impressive, but they have gone 18-15-0 against the spread.

Washington State vs. Drake State Pick

• My Pick: Drake -1.5 (-105) at FanDuel Sportsbook

While WSU two wins against Arizona were impressive, the Cougars also had some tough losses during the season. The same cannot be said for Drake, who looked far more convincing throughout the season. While defense can win championships, the ability to score is vital. WSU can do one of those things, while Drake can do both.

This will be a close game, but the Bulldogs have the talent to overcome a great WSU defense. It will lead to a win tonight. 

How to Watch #7 Washington State vs. #10 Drake

• When: Thursday, March 21 at 10:05 PM EST

• Where: CHI Health Center Omaha in Omaha, NE

• TV: truTV

• Streaming: March Madness Live App

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