NCAAB: #10 Drake vs #7 Washington State Odds, and Picks (Mar 21)

• Drake claimed the MVC title with a win over Indiana State, rising to 10-1 in the last six weeks.
• Washington State earned their first tournament bid in 16 years, after posting a 24-9 record.
• These two teams last faced off on December 21, 1935, in a total slugfest that Drake won 29-19.

The NCAA Tournament is officially underway! Let’s take a look at this matchup between the Drake Bulldogs and the Washington State Cougars. The Cougars exceeded expectations this season, but will be on upset alert against a dangerous Bulldogs squad.

How to Watch

• truTV

Preview

Drake toppled Indiana State in the MVC title game, earning their 2nd consecutive conference championship. Despite playing in a mid-major conference, the Bulldogs finished with impressive metrics, earning a 10-seed thanks to their top-50 NET ranking and 7-4 record against Quadrant 1 and 2 opponents. Drake holds an impressive non-conference win over Nevada, but no other wins against at-large teams. They’ll rely on G Tucker DeVries to aid their offense against a stifling Washington State defense.

Washington State finally managed to end their 16-year NCAA Tournament drought, which was the 2nd-longest in the Power-6. The Cougars return for the first time in a decade and a half as a 7-seed, after finishing 2nd in the Pac-12 conference. They’re playing with house money after losing most of last season’s roster and entering the year picked to finish 10th in the conference. Washington State gets a tough draw playing a virtual road game as the higher seed, but has shown traveling won’t stop them.

Prediction

This is a tough draw for both of these teams. Both have the potential to fly under the radar and make a run to the Sweet 16, but facing off in the first round guarantees one will be eliminated. A crucial part of this matchup will be how well Drake’s experienced offense can respond to Washington State’s swarming defense. The Cougars also have a size advantage. That being said, their offense is vulnerable when sharpshooter Jaylen Wells is locked up. I’m foresee a Drake upset here, as does the Vegas line.

NCAAB Picks:

• Drake 68, Washington State 64 (DRKE -2.5)