Drake Bulldogs vs Belmont Bruins Picks and Predictions for Friday March 6 2026
Use Code PPWC
The Drake Bulldogs and Belmont Bruins meet in the MVC Tournament Quarterfinal on Friday, March 6, 2026 at Enterprise Center in St. Louis, Missouri. Tip-off is scheduled for 1:00 PM ET and the game will be televised on ESPN+. Belmont enters the matchup as a sizable favorite after an excellent regular season, while Drake arrives with momentum following a first-round win. At the time of this writing, Belmont is favored by 11.5 points with a total of 159.5. Be sure to check out our free college basketball picks for more expert analysis and daily betting predictions.
Drake Bulldogs Look to Ride First-Round Momentum
The Drake Bulldogs enter the MVC Tournament Quarterfinal with a 13-19 overall record and a 6-14 conference record. Drake advanced to this stage with a 67-63 win over Southern Illinois in the first round, keeping their postseason hopes alive. Over the last several games, the Bulldogs have recently won over Southern Illinois while recently losing to Northern Iowa, Valparaiso, Southern Illinois, and Northern Iowa during the closing stretch of the regular season.
Offensively, Drake averages 75.3 points per game while allowing 74.8 points per contest. The Bulldogs shoot 44% from the field and collect 35.8 rebounds per game, while distributing 13.3 assists per contest. Defensively, Drake averages 3.1 blocks and 5.5 steals per game, numbers that highlight their ability to disrupt opposing offenses despite their inconsistent results during MVC play.
In the first-round victory over Southern Illinois, Jalen Quinn led the way with 22 points, shooting 8-of-17 from the field and knocking down key free throws late. Andrew Alia dominated the glass with 11 rebounds, including five offensive boards that helped Drake generate extra scoring chances. That rebounding effort and Quinn’s scoring ability could become crucial again as Drake faces a Belmont team that thrives offensively, making second-chance points and defensive stops particularly important.
Sign Up Get $30 Premium Picks Credit + Exclusive Offers
Subscribe Now
Belmont Bruins Ready After First-Round Bye
The Belmont Bruins finished the regular season with a 26-5 overall record and a 16-4 conference record, earning a first-round bye into the MVC Tournament Quarterfinals. Belmont closed the regular season strong despite a final-game setback, as they have recently lost to Illinois State while recently winning over Evansville, Indiana State, Murray State, and Northern Iowa.
Belmont boasts one of the most explosive offenses in the conference, averaging 84.0 points per game while allowing 72.5 points per contest. The Bruins are extremely efficient offensively, shooting 52% from the field, while averaging 36.2 rebounds and 18.4 assists per game. Their balanced attack also includes 3.5 blocks and 6.3 steals per game, reflecting a team capable of creating scoring opportunities on both ends of the floor.
In their most recent game, an 81-74 loss to Illinois State, Tyler Lundblade led Belmont with 17 points, continuing his role as a key scoring option in the Bruins’ system. Jabez Jenkins led the team with 6 rebounds, helping Belmont remain competitive on the boards. Even in defeat, Belmont shot 50% from the field and 42% from three-point range, a reminder that their offensive efficiency can overwhelm opponents if they find rhythm early in tournament play.
Drake Bulldogs vs Belmont Bruins Pick
Drake Bulldogs vs Belmont Bruins Spread Pick
- Pick: Belmont Bruins -11.5
Belmont has been one of the most consistent teams in the Missouri Valley Conference all season, and their offensive efficiency makes them extremely dangerous in tournament play. The Bruins shoot over 50% from the field and move the ball exceptionally well, averaging over 18 assists per game. Drake needed a full effort just to get past Southern Illinois, and their inconsistent offense could struggle to keep pace with Belmont’s scoring attack. With extra rest from the first-round bye and a deeper offensive arsenal, Belmont looks positioned to pull away in the second half.
Drake Bulldogs vs Belmont Bruins Total Pick
- Pick: Over 159.5
I like the over in this matchup because Belmont plays at a fast offensive pace and consistently pushes games into high-scoring territory. The Bruins average 84 points per game and shoot the ball extremely efficiently, while Drake has shown they can score in transition and off second-chance opportunities. Even if Belmont controls the game, Drake’s ability to put up points combined with Belmont’s offensive firepower makes this total reachable. I expect a tournament-style game where offense wins out.
Final Score Prediction: Belmont Bruins 87, Drake Bulldogs 75
Betting on College Basketball?
- Join Picks and Parlays premium for free and get a free $30 coupon with code FREE30
- Get started and wager on college hoops today with our favorite online sportsbooks
- Claim a CBB betting bonus offer with the best sportsbook promos
Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win
New Users – Bet $5 Get $200 in Bet Reset Tokens for 5 Days
New DraftKings Customers: Spend $5+ Get $200 in Bonuses Instantly!
