The Southern Illinois Salukis (13-13, 6-7 MVC) will be at the Hulman Center to square off against the Indiana State Sycamores (13-12, 5-8 MVC) in a MVC matchup. The game gets underway at 12 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 16, 2019.
Southern Illinois Salukis vs. Indiana State Sycamores Betting Odds
In their last matchup, the Sycamores defeated the Valparaiso Crusaders, 87-82, while the Salukis lost a tough one against the Drake Bulldogs, 72-69.
Indiana State’s turnover percentage was their largest strength over Valparaiso. The Sycamores had a rate of 13.7 (better than their season average of 17.5), while the Crusaders posted a mark of 24.2 (above their season average of 17.4). Southern Illinois, on the other hand, had a turnover percentage of 7.9 (better than their season average of 19.5). Indiana State was lifted by Tyreke Key, who put up 32 points and six steals. Meanwhile, Armon Fletcher played a key role for Southern Illinois with 21 points and eight rebounds.
In their first matchup this year, Fletcher led the Salukis to an 88-73 win. He was the game’s leading scorer with 34 points. Southern Illinois had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.705 vs. 0.536). Indiana State, on the other hand, did an excellent job of converting from the free throw line (13-17; 76.5 percent).
The Salukis’ Kavion Pippen has been playing at a high level over his last five games, averaging 15 points,6.2 rebounds,2.2 blocks,1.4 steals per game. Meanwhile, Key has averaged 19 points during that same time frame for the Sycamores.
Indiana State does a solid job at getting to the charity stripe. They rank 32nd in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.283), but Southern Illinois is among the best in the NCAA at keeping opponents off the line (ranking 28th by allowing a FTA rate of 0.181).
Southern Illinois Salukis at Indiana State Sycamores Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Indiana State, ATS Winner – Indiana State, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Southern Illinois ranks 101st in assists per game (14.1) while Indiana State ranks 226th (11.4).
- The Salukis average 7.0 steals per game, which ranks 77th in the nation. The Sycamores rank 90th in steals allowed per game (6.0).
- Indiana State ranks 232nd in rebounds per game (33.1) while Southern Illinois ranks 235th (33.0).
- The Salukis average 4.0 blocks per game, which ranks 64th in the country. The Sycamores rank 119th in blocks allowed per game (3.5).
- Southern Illinois ranks 279th in three pointers attempted per game (18.0) while Indiana State ranks 301st (15.3).
Bettings Trends:
- The Sycamores’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 4.4, up from 2.0 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Salukis have scored an average of 73.2 points per game (5.0 above their season average) and allowed an average of 70.2 points per game (2.4 above their season average).
