Southern Illinois Salukis at Valparaiso Crusaders Free Prediction 02/12/20

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The Southern Illinois Salukis (15-10, 9-3 MVC) and the Valparaiso Crusaders (12-13, 5-7 MVC) face off at Athletics-Recreation Center. The Salukis will attempt to extend their seven-game winning streak. Action starts at 8 p.m. ET on Wednesday, February 12, 2020.

Southern Illinois Salukis vs. Valparaiso Crusaders ATS Odds

In their last matchup, the Crusaders lost a winnable game to the Loyola Chicago Ramblers, 70-68, while the Salukis barely escaped the Missouri State Bears, 68-66.

The Salukis made 15 of their 18 free throws (83.3 percent) and had a turnover percentage of 11.3 (better than their season average of 17.6). Valparaiso, meanwhile, had a better offensive rebounding percentage (29.6 vs. 28.6). Donovan Clay had a solid performance for Valparaiso, contributing 13 points and five rebounds. Southern Illinois was lifted by Barret Benson, who had 24 points and seven rebounds.

In their first matchup this year, Marcus Domask led the Salukis to a 63-50 victory. He was the game’s leading scorer with 23 points. Southern Illinois’ free throw rate was their largest advantage over Valparaiso. The Salukis had a rate of 0.244, while the Crusaders posted a mark of 0.102.

Valparaiso could have trouble getting to the foul line in this matchup. The Crusaders currently rank 293rd in the country with a free throw attempt (FTA) rate of 0.195, while Southern Illinois ranks 22nd in FTA rate allowed (0.162).

Southern Illinois vs. Valparaiso Pick

College Basketball Pick: SU Winner – Valparaiso, ATS Winner – Southern Illinois, O/U – Over

Betting Notes:

  • Valparaiso ranks 42nd in assists per game (15.0) while Southern Illinois ranks 207th (12.0).
  • The Crusaders rank 62nd in three pointers attempted per game (24.9) while the Salukis rank 75th in three pointers allowed per game (19.8).
  • The Crusaders rank 31st in steals per game (8.3) while the Salukis rank 133rd (6.4).
  • Valparaiso ranks 209th in rebounds per game (34.2) while Southern Illinois ranks 293rd (30.6).

Bettings Trends:

  • During their last five games, the Salukis have scored an average of 67.4 points per game (3.8 above their season average) and allowed an average of 63.2 points per game (2.2 above their season average).
  • The Crusaders have been outscored by an average of 2.6 points in their last five games. For the season, Valparaiso has defeated opponents by an average of 0.3 points.