The Tulsa Golden Hurricane (4-1) square off against the Southern Illinois Salukis (2-3) in the Las Vegas Classic at Orleans Arena. The game is scheduled to start at 12:30 a.m. ET on Friday, November 23, 2018.
Southern Illinois Salukis vs. Tulsa Golden Hurricane ATS Prediction
The Salukis are hoping for a better outcome after their 84-62 loss to the Massachusetts Minutemen in their last matchup. Massachusetts out-rebounded Southern Illinois. The Minutemen had more offensive rebounds (15 vs. 10), defensive rebounds (25 vs. 20) and total rebounds (40 vs. 30). Eric McGill was the top scorer from either team with 18 points on 5-for-8 shooting.
In the Golden Hurricane’s last matchup, they were beaten by the No. 6 Nevada Wolf Pack, 96-86. Nevada’s turnover percentage was their biggest strength over Tulsa. The Wolf Pack posted a mark of 9.6 (stronger than their season average of 11.5), while the Golden Hurricane had a rate of 15.4. With 22 points on 7-for-11 shooting, Sterling Taplin led Tulsa in scoring.
Southern Illinois heads into the game with records of 2-3 straight up (SU) and 2-2 against the spread (ATS). Salukis games have a tendency to finish under the projected point total (75.0 percent).
Tulsa is 4-1 SU, but they struggle covering the spread (0-4 ATS). Vegas is extremely precise when setting the O/U total of Golden Hurricane games, with an even split between overs and unders.
Half-court execution will be critical when a pair of the NCAA’s slowest-paced teams face off. Tulsa ranks 260th in possessions per game (68.1) and Southern Illinois is 285th (67.6) since the 2017-18 season.
Southern Illinois Salukis vs. Tulsa Golden Hurricane ATS Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Tulsa, ATS Winner – Southern Illinois, O/U – Over
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Notes
Betting Notes (2017-Present):
Southern Illinois ranks 55th in steals per game (7.3) while Tulsa ranks 284th (4.7).
The Golden Hurricane rank 72nd in rebounds per game (37.6) while the Salukis rank 284th (32.9).
Tulsa ranks 161st in three pointers attempted per game (22.3) while Southern Illinois ranks 297th (18.3).
The Salukis rank 122nd in blocks per game (3.6) while the Golden Hurricane rank 252nd (2.3).
Southern Illinois averages 14.2 assists per game, which ranks 127th in the NCAA. Tulsa ranks 195th in assists allowed per game (13.8).
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