Miami vs Drake Prediction, Game Preview, NCAA Tournament First Round

Miami vs Drake Prediction, Game Preview

Miami vs Drake How To Watch

Date: Friday, March 17
Game Time: 7:25 ET
Venue: MVP Arena, Albany, NY
How To Watch: TBS
Record: Miami (25-7), Drake (27-7)
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Why Drake Will Win

Great from the field, the Bulldogs have the size to keep hammering away inside to go along with the steady shooting ability from the outside. 

Combine the O that's hit over 50% in seven of its last 14 games with a defense that's terrific at stopping the three, and there's a reason why this is going to be one of the hot teams on everyone's bracket. 

Miami's defense isn't anything special. If you want to score against it, just ask and it'll likely hand you a tasteful gift basket after you get your two.

It's okay at guarding from the outside, but it's hard not to make at least 45% of your shots overall against this bunch.

Drake is 19-0 when making 46% or more of its shots. Teams hit 45% against the Canes. 

However ...
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Why Miami Will Win

There needs to be a little bit of roll slowing here on the Bulldogs.

Yeah, they beat Mississippi State, and Louisiana, and ... that's about it. Not to conference shame, but rolling through the Missouri Valley is nothing like facing what Miami is about to bring. 

No, the Canes aren't exactly a brick wall on defense. However, they get up and down the floor in a flash, are amazing at getting to the line and coming up with lots of free throws, and more than anything else ...

They shoot better than Drake does.

The Bulldogs are good from the outside, but Miami is every bit as strong at setting up the right shot. Again, it's better on the move and built to put up points in bunches. 

Miami vs Drake What's Going To Happen

This will be interesting. Both teams are going to score, and it could be in waves. 

Yeah, Drake can shoot, but it'll have to be out of its mind to pull this off. 

Duke couldn't be stopped in the ACC Tournament by the Miami D. Florida State needed a late shot to win in Coral Gable, but it made close to 53% of its shots. That's what the 12 seed has to do - it has to push past the 50% mark.

Miami will be too fast and too aggressive in the second half for Drake to keep up. This will never be a comfortable game for the ACC side, but it'll push its way through with all the transition points.

Miami vs Drake Prediction, Line

Miami 81, Drake 75
Line: Miami -2, o/u: 146.5
ATS Confidence out of 5: 3
Must See Ranking: 3.5
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