The Drake Bulldogs (28-6) battle the Washington State Cougars (24-9) in the 1st round of the East Region Thursday from CHI Health Center Omaha. Tip is set for 10:05 p.m. ET (truTV). Below, we analyze FanDuel Sportsbook’s'lines around the Drake vs. Washington State odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and best bets.
Washington State, a 7 seed in the tournament, lost to the Colorado Buffaloes 58-52 in the Pac-12 Tournament, failing to cover as a 3-point underdog. The Cougars lost 3 of their last 6 games yet do have a win over 2nd-seeded Arizona. The Cougars ended the regular season with a 16-15 against the spread (ATS) record. They are 3-3 ATS in neutral-court games this season.
The Bulldogs went on a run and won the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament, beating Indiana State 84-80 as a 3-point underdog. They won and covered in all 3 conference tournament games despite being 15-15 ATS on the season. Drake has won 5 straight and 10 of its last 11. It is 5-2 ATS in neutral-court games this season.