The opening round of the NIT resumes tonight in Peoria, IL, when the Bradley Braves host the Dayton Flyers.
The Braves have been tough to beat at Carver Arena, and my Bradley vs. Dayton predictions expect the Braves to advance.
Read on for my college basketball picks for Wednesday, March 18.
Bradley vs Dayton prediction
Who will win Bradley vs Dayton?
I like the Bradley Braves. They are 14-2 at home, average 15 ppg off turnovers, and host the turnover-prone Dayton Flyers in one of the toughest buildings in college hoops.
Bradley vs Dayton best bet: Bradley moneyline (-109)
The Bradley Braves' path to victory begins with their elite ball security, which directly neutralizes one of the Dayton Flyers' biggest weapons: their 16.6 points per game off turnovers.
By limiting miscues, the Braves can force this into a half-court battle where their home-court confidence (14-2) and efficient perimeter shooting (35%) become key factors.
Dayton thrives in chaotic environments, but Bradley’s discipline reduces those opportunities. If the Braves also capitalize on their rebounding edge for extra possessions and convert from deep, they can grind out a close win.
COVERS INTEL: The Dayton Flyers have committed 11 or more turnovers in four of their last six games, and at least 11 miscues in eight consecutive games either on the road or at a neutral site.
Bradley vs Dayton same-game parlay
We’re going to bank on the Flyers' miscues. This opportunistic Bradley defense is averaging 15 ppg from turnovers, which allows them the breathing room to come away with a first-half victory.
Turnovers aside, Dayton has an efficient offense with good shooters. Both teams excel at getting to the charity stripe and are above-average shooters there.
The extra possessions created by the Braves' swipes should raise the tempo enough to send this game Over the total.
Bradley vs Dayton SGP
- Bradley moneyline
- Bradley 1H moneyline
- Over 143
Our beyond the arc SGP: Hero ball
If Bradley is going to win this game, Jaquan Johnson and Alex Huibregtse must do the brunt of the scoring.
Johnson is a versatile scorer and has poured in more than 16 points in four of his last five. Huibregtse is the Braves' sniper, with at least three made threes in six of his previous eight games.
Bradley vs Dayton SGP
- Bradley moneyline
- Jaquan Johnson Over 15.5 points
- Alex Huibregtse Over 2.5 made threes
- Over 143
Bradley vs Dayton odds
- Spread: Bradley +1.5 (-110) | Dayton -1.5 (-110)
- Moneyline: Bradley +105 | Dayton -125
- Over/Under: Over 141.5 (-110) | Under 141.5 (-110)
Bradley vs Dayton betting trend to know
Bradley has hit the moneyline in 17 of their last 25 games (+7.65 Units / 10% ROI). Find more college basketball betting trends for Bradley vs. Dayton.
How to watch Bradley vs Dayton
| Location | Carver Arena, Peoria, IL |
| Date | Wednesday, March 18, 2026 |
| Tip-off | 9:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | ESPNU |
Bradley vs Dayton key injuries
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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