The Southern Illinois Salukis (3-2) meet the San Jose State Spartans (2-4) at SIU Arena. The game is scheduled to start at 4 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 2, 2017.
Southern Illinois opened as a 12.5-point favorite, while the Over/Under (O/U) for the game has been set at 138.5 points.
San Jose State Spartans vs. Southern Illinois Salukis ATS Prediction
The last time the Spartans played, they were topped by the Bowling Green Falcons, 85-79. Bowling Green’s turnover percentage was their biggest strength over San Jose State. The Falcons had a rate of 9.7 (better than their season average of 13.0), while the Spartans posted a mark of 18.9 (above the 15.7 mark opponents have averaged against Bowling Green this season). Ryan Welage was San Jose State’s leading scorer with 23 points on 8-for-18 shooting.
The Salukis had no trouble getting past the SIUE Cougars in their last game, 86-59. Southern Illinois had an effective field goal percentage of 0.603 (above their season average of 0.465). SIUE, on the other hand, did a terrific job of converting from the charity stripe (21-30; 70.0 percent). With 13 points and 13 rebounds, Kavion Pippen put together a solid game for Southern Illinois.
Second-chance opportunities could be scarce for Southern Illinois in this showdown. The Salukis rank 193rd in offensive rebounding percentage (29.2 percent), while San Jose State ranks ninth in defensive rebounding percentage (76.0 percent) dating back to the 2016-17 season.
Although San Jose State struggles winning games straight up (2-4 SU), they have a solid record against the spread (3-2). Vegas has a tendency to place the total high when the Spartans are involved, as 60.0 percent of their games have finished under the total.
Southern Illinois has a solid 3-2 SU record, but they are just 1-2 ATS. Unlike San Jose State, Salukis games have typically gone over the total (66.7 percent).
San Jose State Spartans at Southern Illinois Salukis Free Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Southern Illinois, ATS Winner – San Jose State, O/U – Over
Notes
Betting Notes (2016-Present):
San Jose State ranks 131st in assists per game (14.2) while Southern Illinois ranks 274th (11.7).
The Spartans rank 79th in blocks per game (4.1) while the Salukis rank 154th in blocks allowed per game (3.5).
Southern Illinois ranks 77th in steals per game (6.9) while San Jose State ranks 149th in steals allowed per game (6.2).
The Spartans rank 210th in rebounds per game (35.1) while the Salukis rank 249th (34.3).
San Jose State ranks 272nd in three pointers attempted per game (18.4) while Southern Illinois ranks 308th (17.1).
