The Southern Illinois Salukis (16-10, 8-5 MVC) welcome the Bradley Braves (17-9, 7-6 MVC) to SIU Arena as they try to continue their five-game home winning streak. The game is scheduled to begin at 4 p.m. ET on Sunday, February 11, 2018.
Southern Illinois is a 4.5-point favorite on the opening line, while the game’s Over/Under (O/U) opened at 134 points.
Bradley Braves vs. Southern Illinois Salukis Free Prediction
In the Braves’ last contest, they were defeated by the UNI Panthers, 74-65. UNI won the rebounding battle. The Panthers had more offensive rebounds (nine vs. three), defensive rebounds (24 vs. 23) and total rebounds (33 vs. 26). Bradley’s Donte Thomas had a solid outing, finishing with 18 points.
The Salukis lost to the Illinois State Redbirds in their last game, 76-68. Illinois State’s 42.4 offensive rebounding percentage was their biggest strength over Southern Illinois, who had a rate of 27.3. The Redbirds’ mark was above their season average of 26.2. Kavion Pippen had a solid performance for Southern Illinois, leading the team in scoring with 14 points on 6-for-12 shooting.
Half-court execution will be critical when a pair of the nation’s slowest-paced teams face off. Southern Illinois currently ranks 286th in possessions per game (67.4) and Bradley is 318th (66.2).
Bradley comes into the game with records of 17-9 straight up (SU) and 13-9-2 against the spread (ATS). Of the Braves’ 24 games with betting action, 16 have finished under the O/U total.
Southern Illinois is 16-10 SU, but they have difficulty covering the spread (8-11-2 ATS). In opposition of Bradley, Salukis games have gone over the total 52.4 percent of the time.
This will be the second game of the season between these two teams. Thomas scored a game-high 22 points in the first game, in which the Braves defeated the Salukis 68-62, resulting in a push. He also had seven rebounds. The game finished with a total of 130 points, which was just 1.5 points below the projected point total of 131.5 points. The Braves made 15 of their 18 free throws (83.3 percent) and had a better effective field goal percentage (0.520 vs. 0.454).
Bradley Braves at Southern Illinois Salukis Odds Pick
College Basketball Pick: SU Winner – Southern Illinois, ATS Winner – Bradley, O/U – Over
Notes
Betting Notes:
Bradley is 4-8 ATS on the road with 9 unders and 3 overs.
At home, Southern Illinois is 4-4-1 ATS with 6 unders and 3 overs.
Bradley ranks 108th in rebounds per game (36.5) while Southern Illinois ranks 243rd (33.2).
The Salukis average 7.5 steals per game, which ranks 40th in the nation. The Braves rank 146th in steals allowed per game (6.5).
Bradley ranks 10th in blocks allowed per game (2.3) while Southern Illinois ranks 38th (2.6).
The Braves rank 249th in three pointers attempted per game (18.8) while the Salukis rank 264th (18.3).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Bradley is 3-2 ATS with 4 overs and 1 under.
Southern Illinois is 3-1-1 ATS with 4 overs and 1 under over their last five games.
The Braves’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 2.2, down from 4.2 for the season.
During their last five games, the Salukis have scored an average of 74.4 points per game (3.6 above their season average) and allowed an average of 71.2 points per game (2.7 above their season average).
