The Southern Illinois Salukis (2-2) will be at home in SIU Arena when they challenge the SIUE Cougars (1-4). The Over/Under (O/U) for the game has been set at 145 points with Southern Illinois opening as a 12-point favorite. Action gets underway at 8 p.m. ET on Wednesday, November 29, 2017, and it can be seen on ESPN 3.
SIUE Cougars vs. Southern Illinois Salukis ATS Preview
The Cougars got blown out by the Creighton Bluejays in their last outing, 103-66. SIUE’s Jalen Henry finished with 19 points and nine rebounds in the game. Creighton held the Cougars to an offensive rebounding percentage of 14.3 (below their season average of 32.0). SIUE, on the other hand, had a better turnover percentage (12.3 vs. 13.3).
In the Salukis last matchup, they were blown out by the Murray State Racers, 81-73. Sean Lloyd led Southern Illinois in scoring with 19 points on 7-for-12 shooting. Murray State did a fantastic job of converting from the charity stripe (18-24; 75.0 percent). Southern Illinois, meanwhile, had a turnover percentage of 9.2 (better than their season average of 19.5).
This has potential to be a mistake-prone game for the offense of SIUE. Dating back to last season, SIUE ranks 280th in the nation in ball protection (turnover percentage of 20.3 percent), while the ball-hawking defense of Southern Illinois has forced the 95th-most turnovers in the NCAA (20.2 percent).
Since last season, the Cougars have had records of 7-28 straight up (SU) and 11-18-1 against the spread (ATS). Since last season, games involving SIUE have gone under the projected point total 56.7 percent of the time.
On the other hand, the Salukis, have records of 19-18 SU and 15-16 ATS since last season. A little over half of Southern Illinois games have finished under the projected point total over that same stretch.
The Salukis won the lone game against the Cougars last season, 101-83. Southern Illinois had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.759 vs. 0.518). SIUE, meanwhile, had a better free throw rate (0.421 vs. 0.352).
SIUE Cougars vs. Southern Illinois Salukis Betting Prediction
Predictions: SU Winner – Southern Illinois, ATS Winner – SIUE, O/U – Under
Betting Notes (2016-Present):
- The Cougars rank 176th in rebounds per game (35.9) while the Salukis rank 256th (34.1).
- Southern Illinois ranks 93rd in blocks per game (3.9) while SIUE ranks 171st in blocks allowed per game (3.6).
- Southern Illinois ranks 77th in steals per game (6.9) while SIUE ranks 285th (4.6).
- The Salukis rank 109th in assists allowed per game (12.6) while the Cougars rank 277th (15.3).
- SIUE ranks 22nd in three pointers allowed per game (18.1) while Southern Illinois ranks 125th (20.6).
