It will be a battle between MVC opponents when the Missouri State Bears (11-12, 5-5 MVC) welcome the Southern Illinois Salukis (12-11, 5-5 MVC) to JQH Arena. The game is scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. ET on Wednesday, February 6, 2019.
Southern Illinois Salukis vs. Missouri State Bears Betting Prediction
The Salukis come in on a high note after beating the Bradley Braves in their last matchup, 72-68. Southern Illinois’ 0.345 free throw rate was their largest advantage over Bradley, who had a rate of 0.094. The Salukis’ mark was above their season average of 0.219, while the Braves’ was below their season average of 0.264. Southern Illinois was lifted by Kavion Pippen, who was the top scorer from either team with 20 points on 7-for-11 shooting.
In the Bears’ last outing, they fell to the UNI Panthers, 64-59. Converting at the free throw line was one of UNI’s largest advantages. They were 15-18 (83.3 percent), while the Bears were 13-17 (76.5 percent). With 17 points on 4-for-8 shooting, Tulio Da Silva was the top scorer from either team.
This is the second game of the season between these two teams. Ryan Kreklow put up 15 points and five rebounds in the first matchup, in which the Bears lost 75-70. Southern Illinois did a fantastic job of converting from the free throw line (16-22; 72.7 percent). Missouri State, on the other hand, had a much better turnover percentage (13.3 vs. 23.8).
Half-court execution will be critical when two of the NCAA’s slowest-paced teams clash. Missouri State currently ranks 264th in possessions per game (67.8) and Southern Illinois is 325th (66.1). Also, the Salukis rank 328th in turnover percentage (22.7 percent), while the Bears rank 40th in opponents’ turnover percentage (22.2 percent).
Southern Illinois Salukis vs. Missouri State Bears Odds Pick
College Basketball Prediction: SU Winner – Southern Illinois, ATS Winner – Southern Illinois, O/U – Under
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Notes
Betting Notes:
Missouri State ranks 189th in three pointers attempted per game (21.2) while Southern Illinois ranks 264th (18.5).
The Salukis average 14.4 assists per game, which ranks 90th in the NCAA. The Bears rank 157th in assists allowed per game (13.6).
Southern Illinois ranks 40th in blocks per game (4.3) while Missouri State ranks 93rd in blocks allowed per game (3.3).
The Bears rank 64th in steals per game (7.3) while the Salukis rank 114th in steals allowed per game (6.4).
Missouri State ranks 35th in rebounds allowed per game (31.8) while Southern Illinois ranks 64th (32.9).
Bettings Trends:
The Salukis have been outscored by an average of 0.2 points in their last five games. For the season, Southern Illinois has defeated opponents by an average of 0.5 points.
During their last five games, the Bears have scored an average of 60.4 points per game (11.6 below their season average) and allowed an average of 52.8 points per game (16.5 below their season average).
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