UAB Blazers vs Drake Bulldogs Picks and Predictions for Friday, December 5, 2025
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UAB and Drake meet at the Knapp Center in Des Moines for a compelling non-conference matchup between two 6-3 teams trending in different directions. Tipoff is set for 7:30 PM EST on ESPN+, and both teams bring top-end scoring talent along with contrasting tempos that should shape this game’s identity. For more breakdowns, make sure you check out the full slate of Free College Basketball Picks.
UAB Preview
UAB enters at 6-3, but the momentum has cooled after a 76–61 loss to Middle Tennessee that ended a four-game winning streak. Andy Kennedy’s squad is still built on pressure defense, aggressive guard play, and spacing around versatile scoring wings.
The Blazers average 83.3 points per game on 44% shooting, with a surprisingly strong 44.3 rebounds per game. Their offense is paced by Chance Westry, who leads with 15.8 PPG on 49% shooting, and plays with the kind of length and pace that creates matchup issues for slower backcourts. UAB’s depth helps them maintain tempo, while their 15.3 assists per game reflect a team that thrives on drive-and-kick creation.
Defensively, UAB gives up 70.7 points per game, and their 9.4 steals per game indicates a team that wants to speed opponents up. However, the secondary unit can be inconsistent, especially on the road, where the Blazers are 0–2 this season.
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If UAB wants to pick up a true road win, limiting turnovers and keeping Drake off the offensive glass will be critical.
Drake Preview
Drake is also 6-3 but trending upward, riding a two-game win streak highlighted by a 108–57 demolition of Western Illinois. Darian DeVries’ crew remains one of the most efficient mid-majors in the country, built on clean offensive movement and disciplined defense.
The Bulldogs average 80.8 points while allowing just 64.4 points per game, one of the top margins in the MVC. Drake shoots efficiently (49% from the field) and rebounds well at 47 per game, even without elite size.
The star attraction is Jett Quinn, averaging 17.4 PPG, who scores in all three levels and is coming off multiple strong performances. Drake’s spacing and ball movement (15.4 assists per game) help Quinn consistently find favorable matchups.
What sets the Bulldogs apart is their ability to dictate pace. They can run when needed, but they’re equally comfortable grinding out possessions. At home, where they are 3–2, their defensive consistency increases, and they’ve shown the ability to bury teams with long scoring runs.
UAB vs Drake Pick
I’m backing Drake in this matchup.
UAB has the firepower to keep this interesting, but their road inconsistencies and occasional defensive lapses make this a tough environment for them. Drake, meanwhile, is playing its sharpest basketball of the year. Their spacing, discipline, and shot selection give them the better long-term profile in this matchup.
Jett Quinn is the most reliable closer on either roster, and Drake’s defense should generate just enough disruption to keep UAB’s tempo in check. With Drake at home and riding momentum, I’m taking the Bulldogs to control the game and secure the win. Betting on sports and on UAB is easy, but even easier if you use the best sportsbooks. Make sure you know about how the fans are looking on prediction markets for Drake with the social sportsbooks. Getting the most out of your bets on UAB vs Drake can be done by using the Fanatics Sportsbook promo code.
Pick: Drake Bulldogs -2.5
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