The Indiana State Sycamores (7-4) and the Southern Illinois Salukis (6-7) square off at Hulman Center. The Sycamores will try to continue their seven-game winning streak. The game is scheduled to start at 8 p.m. ET on Monday, December 30, 2019.
Southern Illinois Salukis vs. Indiana State Sycamores Betting Odds
Both teams blew out their last opponent. The Sycamores defeated the Chicago State Cougars 85-64, while the Salukis beat the Southeast Missouri State Redhawks 64-45.
Southern Illinois played a perfect game. They had a free throw rate of 0.185 (matching their season average) and a turnover percentage of 14.3 (better than their season average of 18.0). For those same stats, Southeast Missouri State was 0.118 and 21.3, respectively. The Sycamores, meanwhile, had a phenomenal free throw rate of 0.327 (above their season average of 0.286) and had an effective field goal percentage of 0.609 (above their season average of 0.526). Jake LaRavia had a good outing for Indiana State, finishing with 17 points and seven rebounds. Meanwhile, Marcus Domask played a pivotal role for Southern Illinois with 14 points and five rebounds.
The Salukis dominated this series last year, taking both games. In the most recent contest, Southern Illinois won 79-57. One of Southern Illinois’ largest advantages was their ability to convert at the free throw line. They were 15-16 (93.8 percent), while the Sycamores were just 9-16 (56.3 percent). This is the first time these teams will meet this year.
Half-court execution will be of utmost importance when two of the nation’s slowest-paced teams face off. Indiana State currently ranks 264th in possessions per game (68.3) and Southern Illinois is 347th (63.3).
Southern Illinois at Indiana State Free Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Indiana State, ATS Winner – Indiana State, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- Indiana State ranks 17th in steals allowed per game (4.9) while Southern Illinois ranks 119th (6.8).
- The Salukis rank 27th in blocks allowed per game (2.4) while the Sycamores rank 63rd (2.9).
- The Salukis rank 46th in three pointers allowed per game (19.3) while the Sycamores rank 139th (22.5).
- Indiana State ranks 217th in rebounds per game (33.1) while Southern Illinois ranks 259th (29.8).
Bettings Trends:
- The Salukis’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 7.8, up from 3.5 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Sycamores have scored an average of 76.0 points per game (2.8 above their season average) and allowed an average of 65.6 points per game (5.5 below their season average).
