It will be a battle between MVC opponents when the Southern Illinois Salukis (9-7, 2-1 MVC) welcome the Valparaiso Crusaders (10-6, 3-0 MVC) to SIU Arena. The game starts at 4 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 12, 2019, and will air on ESPN 3.
Valparaiso Crusaders at Southern Illinois Salukis Free Prediction
In the Crusaders’ last matchup, they beat the Bradley Braves, 61-50. Valparaiso’s effective field goal percentage was their largest advantage over Bradley. The Crusaders had a rate of 0.571 (above their season average of 0.530), while the Braves posted a mark of 0.355 (below their season average of 0.492). Valparaiso rallied around Javon Freeman-Liberty, who was the top scorer from either team with 17 points on 7-for-10 shooting.
The Salukis fell to the Drake Bulldogs in their last contest, 82-70. Drake’s free throw rate was their largest strength over Southern Illinois. The Bulldogs had a rate of 0.208 (below their season average of 0.242), while the Salukis posted a mark of 0.095 (below their season average of 0.258). Southern Illinois’ Armon Fletcher had a solid performance, leading the team in scoring with 21 points on 9-for-13 shooting.
After splitting two games last season, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. In the most recent matchup, the Salukis won 65-59. The Salukis had a much better free throw rate (0.286 vs. 0.102) and had a much better turnover percentage (15.6 vs. 24.0).
Half-court execution will be at a premium when a pair of the nation’s slowest-paced teams go head-to-head. Southern Illinois ranks 306th in possessions per game (67.0) and Valparaiso is 264th (68.3).
Valparaiso Crusaders at Southern Illinois Salukis Pick
Free Pick: SU Winner – Valparaiso, ATS Winner – Valparaiso, O/U – Over
Click Here to Start Betting Today!
Notes
Betting Notes:
Valparaiso ranks 55th in three pointers allowed per game (20.2) while Southern Illinois ranks 241st (26.9).
The Crusaders average 15.9 assists per game, which ranks 45th in the nation. The Salukis rank 153rd in assists allowed per game (13.9).
Southern Illinois averages 6.4 steals per game, which ranks 102nd in the country. Valparaiso ranks 126th in steals allowed per game (6.9).
The Crusaders are 39th in the country with 2.6 blocks allowed per game while the Salukis are 51st with 2.8 blocks allowed per game.
Bettings Trends:
The Crusaders’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 8.6, up from 5.4 for the season.
During their last five games, the Salukis have scored an average of 67.8 points per game (1.8 below their season average) and allowed an average of 71.0 points per game (2.6 above their season average).
^^^^^
