The Southern Illinois Salukis (12-11, 5-5 MVC) will be at JQH Arena to meet the Missouri State Bears (11-12, 5-5 MVC) in a MVC matchup. Action gets underway at 8 p.m. ET on Wednesday, February 6, 2019.
Southern Illinois Salukis vs. Missouri State Bears ATS Odds
In their last contest, the Bears lost to the UNI Panthers, 64-59, while the Salukis defeated the Bradley Braves, 72-68.
The Salukis made 19 of their 24 free throws (79.2 percent) and had a turnover percentage of 9.6 (better than their season average of 20.3). Missouri State, meanwhile, had a better offensive rebounding percentage (28.0 vs. 23.8). Tulio Da Silva fueled Missouri State with 17 points and five rebounds. Meanwhile, Kavion Pippen had a good outing for Southern Illinois, finishing with 20 points and six rebounds.
In their first matchup this year, Eric McGill led the Salukis to a 75-70 victory. He notched a double-double with 14 points and 12 rebounds. Southern Illinois did a terrific job of making free throws (16-22; 72.7 percent). Missouri State, meanwhile, had a much better turnover percentage (13.3 vs. 23.8).
Half-court execution will be critical when two of the nation’s slowest-paced teams go head-to-head. Missouri State ranks 264th in possessions per game (67.8) and Southern Illinois is 325th (66.1). Ball security could be troublesome for the Salukis. They rank 328th at avoiding errors (turnover percentage of 22.7 percent), while the Bears force the 40th-most turnovers in the nation (opponents’ turnover percentage of 22.2 percent).
Southern Illinois Salukis vs. Missouri State Bears ATS Pick
Free College Basketball Pick: SU Winner – Southern Illinois, ATS Winner – Southern Illinois, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Missouri State ranks 189th in three pointers attempted per game (21.2) while Southern Illinois ranks 264th (18.5).
- The Bears rank 64th in steals per game (7.3) while the Salukis rank 114th in steals allowed per game (6.4).
- Missouri State ranks 35th in rebounds allowed per game (31.8) while Southern Illinois ranks 64th (32.9).
- The Salukis rank 90th in assists per game (14.4) while the Bears rank 157th in assists allowed per game (13.6).
- Southern Illinois averages 4.3 blocks per game, which ranks 40th in the country. Missouri State ranks 93rd in blocks allowed per game (3.3).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Bears have scored an average of 60.4 points per game (11.6 below their season average) and allowed an average of 52.8 points per game (16.5 below their season average).
- The Salukis have been outscored by an average of 0.2 points in their last five games. For the season, Southern Illinois has defeated opponents by an average of 0.5 points.
