The Valparaiso Crusaders (10-6, 3-0 MVC) will be at SIU Arena to take on the Southern Illinois Salukis (9-7, 2-1 MVC) in a MVC matchup. The game starts at 4 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 12, 2019, and will air on ESPN 3.
Valparaiso Crusaders at Southern Illinois Salukis ATS Odds
In their last outing, the Salukis were beaten by the Drake Bulldogs, 82-70, while the Crusaders were victorious over the Bradley Braves, 61-50.
The Crusaders held the Braves to an effective field goal percentage of 0.355 (below their season average of 0.492) and an offensive rebounding percentage of 22.5 (below their season average of 29.0). Southern Illinois, meanwhile, forced Drake into a turnover percentage of 22.3 (above their season average of 16.2). Armon Fletcher fueled Southern Illinois with 21 points. Valparaiso rallied around Javon Freeman-Liberty, who had 17 points.
This series was highly competitive last year. Each won one of the two games played against each other last season. The Salukis won the last game 65-59. Southern Illinois’ free throw rate was their biggest advantage over Valparaiso. The Salukis had a rate of 0.286, while the Crusaders posted a mark of 0.102. This will be the first contest of the year between these two teams.
Half-court execution will be critical when two of the country’s slowest-paced teams face off. Southern Illinois ranks 306th in possessions per game (67.0) and Valparaiso is 264th (68.3).
Valparaiso Crusaders at Southern Illinois Salukis Odds Pick
Free Basketball Pick: SU Winner – Southern Illinois, ATS Winner – Valparaiso, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Valparaiso ranks 55th in three pointers allowed per game (20.2) while Southern Illinois ranks 241st (26.9).
- The Crusaders are 39th in the NCAA with 2.6 blocks allowed per game while the Salukis are 51st with 2.8 blocks allowed per game.
- The Crusaders average 15.9 assists per game, which ranks 45th in the NCAA. The Salukis rank 153rd in assists allowed per game (13.9).
- Southern Illinois ranks 102nd in steals per game (6.4) while Valparaiso ranks 126th in steals allowed per game (6.9).
Bettings Trends:
- The Crusaders’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 8.6, up from 5.4 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Salukis have scored an average of 67.8 points per game (1.8 below their season average) and allowed an average of 71.0 points per game (2.6 above their season average).
