The Missouri State Bears (6-7) will attempt to put an end to their seven-game road losing streak in a matchup against the Southern Illinois Salukis (7-6) at SIU Arena. The game starts at 8 p.m. ET on Wednesday, January 2, 2019.
Missouri State Bears vs. Southern Illinois Salukis Betting Prediction
The Bears will be hoping for a similar result after blowing out the Oral Roberts Golden Eagles in their last game, 84-50. Missouri State couldn’t miss, shooting 55.6 percent from the field. Oral Roberts, on the other hand, had a field goal percentage of just 29.3. With 26 points on 11-for-17 shooting, Jarred Dixon was the top scorer from either team.
The last time the Salukis played, they were beaten by the No. 2 Kentucky Wildcats, 71-59. Kentucky’s rebounding was their largest advantage. The Wildcats had 18 offensive rebounds and 48 total rebounds, while the Salukis had seven and 19, respectively. Southern Illinois’ Kavion Pippen finished with 16 points and seven rebounds in the contest.
Half-court execution will be critical when two of the NCAA’s slowest-paced teams go head-to-head. Southern Illinois ranks 289th in possessions per game (67.8) and Missouri State is 296th (71.9). Additionally, the Bears, who rank 256th in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.262), will face off against the Salukis, who rank 17th in opponents’ FTA rate (0.160).
Keandre Cook and Dixon have played at a high level over the last five games for Missouri State. Cook has averaged 0 points per game. Not to be outdone, Dixon has recorded 0 points a game during that span.
After the Salukis won all three meetings against the Bears last season, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. In the last contest, Southern Illinois won 67-63. The Salukis had a better turnover percentage (10.2 vs. 15.0) and had a better offensive rebounding percentage (34.4 vs. 31.0).
Missouri State Bears at Southern Illinois Salukis Betting Pick
College Basketball Pick: SU Winner – Southern Illinois, ATS Winner – Southern Illinois, O/U – Under
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Notes
Betting Notes:
Missouri State ranks 132nd in three pointers allowed per game (25.9) while Southern Illinois ranks 241st (26.6).
The Salukis rank 49th in blocks per game (4.3) while the Bears rank 90th in blocks allowed per game (3.8).
Southern Illinois ranks 57th in assists per game (15.3) while Missouri State ranks 81st in assists allowed per game (14.7).
Bettings Trends:
The Bears’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 3.8, up from 2.4 for the season.
During their last five games, the Salukis have scored an average of 67.0 points per game (3.0 below their season average) and allowed an average of 66.8 points per game (1.8 below their season average).
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