It will be a battle between MVC opponents when the Drake Bulldogs (11-4, 0-2 MVC) welcome the Southern Illinois Salukis (9-6, 2-0 MVC) to the Knapp Center. The game is scheduled to start at 8 p.m. ET on Tuesday, January 8, 2019.
Southern Illinois Salukis vs. Drake Bulldogs ATS Prediction
The last time the Salukis played, they were defeated by the No. 2 Kentucky Wildcats, 71-59. Kentucky won the rebounding battle. The Wildcats had more offensive rebounds (18 vs. seven), defensive rebounds (30 vs. 12) and total rebounds (48 vs. 19). Kavion Pippen played well for Southern Illinois, contributing 16 points and seven rebounds.
The Bulldogs won big over the Buena Vista Beavers in their last game, 98-52. The Bulldogs had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.629 vs. 0.286) and had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (41.2 vs. 25.5). Nick Norton was the top scorer from either team with 17 points on 7-for-8 shooting from the field.
After splitting two games last season, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. In the last contest, the Salukis won 78-67. The Salukis had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (37.9 vs. 20.6) and had a better effective field goal percentage (0.570 vs. 0.471).
This contest should be a showdown of conflicting tempos. Drake likes to play quickly (63rd in possessions per game), while Southern Illinois is more half-court-oriented (305th in possessions per game).
Southern Illinois vs. Drake Betting Pick
College Basketball Pick: SU Winner – Drake, ATS Winner – Drake, O/U – Under
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Notes
Betting Notes:
Drake ranks 48th in three pointers attempted per game (26.6) while Southern Illinois ranks 256th (18.3).
The Bulldogs rank 17th in assists per game (17.5) while the Salukis rank 140th in assists allowed per game (13.5).
Southern Illinois ranks 123rd in steals per game (6.3) while Drake ranks 160th in steals allowed per game (7.7).
The Bulldogs rank 33rd in blocks allowed per game (2.5) while the Salukis rank 59th (2.9).
Bettings Trends:
The Salukis’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 0.2, down from 2.0 for the season.
During their last five games, the Bulldogs have scored an average of 78.6 points per game (2.1 below their season average) and allowed an average of 71.6 points per game (2.5 below their season average).
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