The Southern Illinois Salukis (16-14, 9-8 MVC) welcome the Illinois State Redbirds (16-14, 9-8 MVC) to SIU Arena as the regular season wraps up. The game can be seen on CBS Sports Network at 2 p.m. ET on Saturday, March 2, 2019.
Illinois State Redbirds at Southern Illinois Salukis Betting Odds
Both teams defeated their last opponent. The Salukis defeated the Evansville Aces 98-91, while the Redbirds beat the Missouri State Bears 65-57.
Illinois State dominated nearly every facet of the game. They had a solid offensive rebounding percentage of 29.4 (above their season average of 25.3) and a free throw rate of 0.352 (above their season average of 0.196). Missouri State was 18.2 and 0.306, respectively, for those same stats. The Salukis, on the other hand, had an extraordinary effective field goal percentage of 0.690 (above their season average of 0.527) and had a turnover percentage of 12.5 (better than their season average of 19.1). Armon Fletcher played a key role for Southern Illinois with 34 points and eight rebounds. Illinois State was led by Milik Yarbrough, who had 28 points and nine rebounds.
In their first matchup this season, Phil Fayne led the Redbirds to a 59-58 win. He produced 13 points and eight rebounds. The Redbirds’ turnover percentage was their biggest strength over the Salukis. Illinois State had a rate of 18.3, while Southern Illinois posted a mark of 23.9.
Looking at effective field goal percentage, Southern Illinois figures to have a considerable edge. The upper-echelon Salukis offense ranks 85th in the country in that metric at 0.533, while the Illinois State defense is ranked 219th in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.512). Furthermore, the Redbirds, who rank 282nd in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.201), will go head-to-head against the Salukis, who rank 31st in opponents’ FTA rate (0.184).
Illinois State Redbirds vs. Southern Illinois Salukis ATS Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Southern Illinois, ATS Winner – Southern Illinois, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- Illinois State ranks 148th in three pointers attempted per game (22.6) while Southern Illinois ranks 288th (17.9).
- The Salukis rank 87th in steals per game (6.9) while the Redbirds rank 92nd in steals allowed per game (6.0).
- The Salukis average 13.9 assists per game, which ranks 107th in the country. The Redbirds rank 181st in assists allowed per game (14.0).
- Illinois State ranks 16th in blocks allowed per game (2.3) while Southern Illinois ranks 81st (3.1).
Bettings Trends:
- The Salukis’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 6.6, up from 1.5 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Redbirds have scored an average of 61.0 points per game (7.9 below their season average) and allowed an average of 66.4 points per game (3.7 below their season average).
