It will be a battle between MVC opponents when the UNI Panthers (6-8, 1-0 MVC) welcome the Southern Illinois Salukis (8-6, 1-0 MVC) to the McLeod Center. The game gets underway at 8 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 5, 2019.
Southern Illinois Salukis at UNI Panthers Betting Prediction
In the Salukis’ last contest, they were defeated by the No. 2 Kentucky Wildcats, 71-59. Kentucky’s rebounding was their biggest strength. The Wildcats had 18 offensive rebounds and 48 total rebounds, while the Salukis had seven and 19, respectively. Kavion Pippen put together a good performance for Southern Illinois, contributing 16 points and seven rebounds.
The Panthers won big over the Bemidji State Beavers in their last contest, 97-51. The Panthers had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (35.7 vs. 9.5) and had a much better turnover percentage (5.6 vs. 18.7). Wyatt Lohaus was the top scorer from either team with 19 points on 7-for-15 shooting from the field.
After the Salukis won both matchups against the Panthers last season, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. In the last game, Southern Illinois won 64-53. The Salukis had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.577 vs. 0.418) and had a better turnover percentage (16.4 vs. 18.1).
Half-court execution will be critical when two of the nation’s slowest-paced teams square off. UNI currently ranks 296th in possessions per game (67.6) and Southern Illinois is 279th (68.0).
Southern Illinois vs. UNI Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – UNI, ATS Winner – Southern Illinois, O/U – Under
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Notes
Betting Notes:
UNI ranks 51st in three pointers attempted per game (26.0) while Southern Illinois ranks 245th (18.5).
The Salukis rank 47th in assists per game (15.6) while the Panthers rank 189th (11.9).
UNI allows the 19th-fewest blocks per game (2.3) while Southern Illinois ranks 60th (3.0).
The Salukis average 6.1 steals per game, which ranks 129th in the country. The Panthers rank 130th in steals allowed per game (6.9).
Bettings Trends:
The Salukis’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 0.2, down from 1.6 for the season.
During their last five games, the Panthers have scored an average of 75.4 points per game (9.2 above their season average) and allowed an average of 68.2 points per game (0.7 below their season average).
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