A defensive struggle should be expected when the Southern Illinois Salukis (7-3) and the Murray State Racers (5-1) square off at SIU Arena. The game starts at 8 p.m. ET on Wednesday, December 12, 2018.
Murray State Racers vs. Southern Illinois Salukis Betting Prediction
The Racers will be looking for similar success after blowing out the Wright State Raiders in their last matchup, 73-54. The Racers had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (42.9 vs. 23.7) and had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.640 vs. 0.409). Murray State was lifted by Ja Morant, who was the top scorer from either team with 26 points on 10-for-17 shooting.
In the Salukis’ last game, they lost to the No. 2 Kentucky Wildcats, 71-59. Kentucky out-rebounded Southern Illinois. The Wildcats had 18 offensive rebounds and 48 total rebounds, while the Salukis had seven and 19, respectively. With 16 points and seven rebounds, Southern Illinois’ Kavion Pippen had a solid game.
The Racers won the only contest against the Salukis last season, 81-73. The Racers knocked down 18 of their 24 free throws (75.0 percent) and had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (33.3 vs. 22.2).
Half-court execution will be critical when two of the NCAA’s slowest-paced teams battle. Southern Illinois ranks 275th in possessions per game (67.4) and Murray State is 293rd (67.5) since the 2017-18 season.
Murray State Racers vs. Southern Illinois Salukis Odds Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Southern Illinois, ATS Winner – Murray State, O/U – Over
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Notes
Betting Notes (2017-Present):
Murray State ranks 45th in three pointers allowed per game (19.7) while Southern Illinois ranks 245th (22.6).
The Racers rank 25th in rebounds allowed per game (31.4) while the Salukis rank 113th (34.1).
Murray State ranks 12th in assists allowed per game (9.7) while Southern Illinois ranks 92nd (12.5).
The Racers rank 38th in steals allowed per game (5.3) while the Salukis rank 109th (6.5).
Southern Illinois averages 3.7 blocks per game, which is ranked 59th in the NCAA. Murray State ranks 101st in blocks allowed per game (3.3).
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