The SIUE Cougars (1-4) will be at home in the Sam M. Vadalabene Center when they take on the Southern Illinois Salukis (4-3). Action starts at 3 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 1, 2018.
Southern Illinois Salukis at SIUE Cougars Betting Odds
In their last outing, the Cougars were blown out by the Western Illinois Leathernecks, 83-58, while the Salukis were victorious over the Colorado State Rams, 82-67.
Southern Illinois dominated nearly every facet of the game. They had a phenomenal offensive rebounding percentage of 40.0 (above their season average of 27.9) and a turnover percentage of 11.5 (better than their season average of 21.1). For those same stats, Colorado State had marks of 7.7 and 15.5, respectively. SIUE, meanwhile, had a turnover percentage of 8.5 (better than their season average of 15.3). Cameron Williams had a solid outing for SIUE with 11 points and five rebounds. Armon Fletcher, meanwhile led the way for Southern Illinois, contributing 20 points and eight rebounds.
The Salukis won the lone contest between these two teams last year, 86-59. Southern Illinois had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.603 vs. 0.328). SIUE, on the other hand, did a fantastic job of making free throws (21-30; 70.0 percent).
This has potential to be a sloppy game for the offense of SIUE. Dating back to the 2017-18 season, SIUE ranks 210th in the country in ball protection (turnover percentage of 19.1 percent), while the ball-hawking defense of Southern Illinois has forced the 91st-most turnovers in the NCAA (20.2 percent).
Southern Illinois Salukis vs. SIUE Cougars Free Pick
College Basketball Pick: SU Winner – SIUE, ATS Winner – Southern Illinois, O/U – Over
Betting Notes (2017-Present):
- Southern Illinois ranks 56th in steals per game (7.3) while SIUE ranks 266th (5.0).
- The Salukis rank 128th in blocks per game (3.5) while the Cougars rank 232nd (2.6).
- SIUE ranks 237th in rebounds per game (34.1) while Southern Illinois ranks 293rd (32.7).
- The Salukis rank 109th in assists per game (14.5) while the Cougars rank 263rd (12.2).
- SIUE ranks 44th in three pointers allowed per game (19.6) while Southern Illinois ranks 183rd (22.3).
