The Southern Illinois Salukis (14-10, 8-3 MVC) welcome the Missouri State Bears (11-13, 5-6 MVC) to SIU Arena. The Salukis will attempt to extend their six-game winning streak. The game gets underway at 8 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 8, 2020.
Missouri State Bears vs. Southern Illinois Salukis ATS Odds
Both teams were triumphant in their last game. The Salukis beat the Evansville Aces 64-60, while the Bears dismantled the Illinois State Redbirds 80-60.
Missouri State played a nearly flawless game. They had a phenomenal offensive rebounding percentage of 38.2 (above their season average of 30.6) and a turnover percentage of 13.3 (better than their season average of 17.8). For those same stats, Illinois State was 3.8 and 25.7, respectively. The Salukis, meanwhile, had a great offensive rebounding percentage of 30.0 (above their season average of 20.9), while the Aces had a free throw rate of 0.180 (below their season average of 0.246). Southern Illinois was lifted by Marcus Domask, who had 22 points and nine rebounds. Tulio Da Silva, meanwhile played a pivotal role for Missouri State with 22 points and eight rebounds.
This series was highly contested last year. Each won one of the two games played against each other last season. In the last contest, the Bears won 65-59. One of Missouri State’s largest advantages was getting to the free throw line. They made 25 trips to the line, while Southern Illinois went just 13 times. This is the first time these teams will clash this year.
Half-court execution will be of utmost importance when two of the NCAA’s slowest-paced teams square off. Southern Illinois ranks 344th in possessions per game (63.9) and Missouri State is 266th (67.5).
Missouri State Bears vs. Southern Illinois Salukis Odds Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Southern Illinois, ATS Winner – Southern Illinois, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- Missouri State ranks 121st in rebounds per game (36.3) while Southern Illinois ranks 286th (30.7).
- The Bears rank 50th in assists allowed per game (11.0) while the Salukis rank 103rd (12.0).
- Southern Illinois ranks 189th in three pointers attempted per game (20.8) while Missouri State ranks 225th (19.5).
Bettings Trends:
- The Salukis’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 4.2, up from 2.6 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Bears have scored an average of 70.0 points per game (2.3 above their season average) and allowed an average of 72.8 points per game (5.4 above their season average).
