MVC foes will battle when the Indiana State Sycamores (11-16, 6-9 MVC) challenge the Southern Illinois Salukis (18-10, 10-5 MVC) at Hulman Center. Action starts at 2 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 17, 2018.
Southern Illinois Salukis at Indiana State Sycamores Free Preview
In the Salukis last outing, they barely escaped the Missouri State Bears, 81-80. Armon Fletcher was the games high scorer with 22 points on 7-for-12 shooting. Southern Illinois 7.3 turnover percentage was their biggest strength over Missouri State, who had a rate of 20.1. The Salukis mark was better than their season average of 17.0, while the Bears was above their season average of 15.2.
The Sycamores are hoping for a better outcome after their 90-76 loss to the Drake Bulldogs in their last contest. Jordan Barnes led Indiana State in scoring with 26 points on 7-for-13 shooting. Drake did a fantastic job of making free throws (17-21; 81.0 percent). Indiana State, meanwhile, had a turnover percentage of 11.8 (better than their season average of 18.4).
It will be a matchup of conflicting tempos as the fast-paced Sycamores (ranked 85th in the nation in possessions per game) will look to push the slower-paced Salukis (281st in possessions per game). Furthermore, the Salukis, who rank 266th in offensive rebounding percentage (26.3 percent), could have a tough time getting put-back points against the Sycamores, who rank 33rd in defensive rebounding percentage (75.4 percent).
Kavion Pippen has been playing at a high level over the last five games for Southern Illinois, averaging 17.4 points, 7.4 rebounds, 1.4 steals and 1.2 blocks per game.
These teams have already met once this season. The Salukis won 82-77. Southern Illinois did a terrific job of getting and making free throws (22-31; 71.0 percent). Indiana State, meanwhile, had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (34.2 vs. 20.0). Aaron Cook was the games top overall scorer with 25 points.
Southern Illinois Salukis at Indiana State Sycamores Free Prediction
Free College Basketball Pick: SU Winner – Southern Illinois, ATS Winner – Southern Illinois, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- The Salukis rank 114th in assists per game (14.3) while the Sycamores rank 231st (11.7).
- Indiana State ranks 147th in rebounds per game (35.6) while Southern Illinois ranks 240th (33.1).
- Indiana State ranks 92nd in three pointers attempted per game (23.6) while Southern Illinois ranks 266th (18.2).
- The Salukis average 7.5 steals per game, which ranks 40th in the NCAA. The Sycamores rank 167th in steals allowed per game (6.9).
- Southern Illinois ranks 23rd in blocks allowed per game (2.5) while Indiana State ranks 145th (3.8).
Betting Trends:
- The Sycamores average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 6.4, up from 0.0 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Salukis have scored an average of 73.2 points per game (1.9 above their season average) and allowed an average of 67.8 points per game (0.7 below their season average).
