Winthrop Eagles vs. Southern Illinois Salukis ATS Prediction 12/22/18

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The Southern Illinois Salukis (7-5) will be at home in SIU Arena when they take on the Winthrop Eagles (6-4). Action begins at 4 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 22, 2018.

Winthrop Eagles at Southern Illinois Salukis ATS Odds

Both teams were beaten in their last game. The Salukis fell to the second-ranked Kentucky Wildcats, 71-59, while the Eagles were defeated by the Vanderbilt Commodores, 92-79.

Winthrop had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (30.2 vs. 15.2) while Southern Illinois had a better turnover percentage (17.5 vs. 22.4). Southern Illinois received a boost from Kavion Pippen, who recorded 16 points and seven rebounds. Nych Smith fueled Winthrop with 21 points and five rebounds.

The Salukis won the lone game between these two teams last year, 81-66. The Salukis’ 36.7 offensive rebounding percentage was their largest advantage over the Eagles, who had a rate of 20.5. This is the first time these teams will clash this year.

Josh Ferguson has been impressive recently for Winthrop, averaging 0 points over the last five games.

Looking at effective field goal percentage, Southern Illinois should have a noteworthy edge. The sweet-shooting Salukis offense ranks 83rd in the country in that metric at 0.542, while the Winthrop defense is ranked 203rd in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.506). It will also be a tale of two tempos as the up-and-down Eagles rank fourth in possessions per game, while the more methodical Salukis rank 289th.

Winthrop Eagles at Southern Illinois Salukis Betting Pick

Pick: SU Winner – Southern Illinois, O/U – Over

Betting Notes:

  • Winthrop ranks third in three pointers attempted per game (34.1) while Southern Illinois ranks 239th (18.2).
  • The Salukis rank 41st in blocks per game (4.4) while the Eagles rank 106th (3.1).
  • The Eagles rank 11th in rebounds per game (42.2) while the Salukis rank 187th (34.0).
  • Winthrop averages 18.5 assists per game, which ranks 11th in the nation. Southern Illinois ranks 131st in assists allowed per game (13.6).

Bettings Trends:

  • During their last five games, the Salukis have scored an average of 67.0 points per game (2.9 below their season average) and allowed an average of 66.8 points per game (0.9 below their season average).
  • The Eagles’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 3.8, down from 11.0 for the season.