The Southern Illinois Salukis (9-6, 2-0 MVC) will be at the Knapp Center to go head-to-head against the Drake Bulldogs (11-4, 0-2 MVC) in a MVC matchup. Action gets underway at 8 p.m. ET on Tuesday, January 8, 2019.
Southern Illinois Salukis vs. Drake Bulldogs Betting Odds
In their last game, the Bulldogs had no trouble getting past the Buena Vista Beavers, 98-52, while the Salukis lost to the second-ranked Kentucky Wildcats, 71-59.
Drake dominated nearly every facet of the game. They had an effective field goal percentage of 0.629 and an offensive rebounding percentage of 41.2. Buena Vista was 0.286 and 25.5, respectively, for those same stats. Southern Illinois, meanwhile, had a better turnover percentage (17.5 vs. 22.4). Nick Norton played a pivotal role for Drake with 17 points, five rebounds and five assists. Meanwhile, Southern Illinois was led by Kavion Pippen, who recorded 16 points and seven rebounds.
This series was highly competitive last year. Each won one of the two games played against each other last season. The Salukis won the last contest 78-67. The Salukis’ offensive rebounding percentage was their biggest advantage over the Bulldogs. Southern Illinois had a rate of 37.9, while Drake posted a mark of 20.6. This will be the first game of the year between these two teams.
Contrasting styles will be on display in this showdown. Drake has preferred a fast-paced style of play (63rd in possessions per game), while Southern Illinois has been slower-paced (305th in possessions per game).
Southern Illinois Salukis vs. Drake Bulldogs Free Pick
Free Prediction: SU Winner – Drake, ATS Winner – Drake, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Drake ranks 48th in three pointers attempted per game (26.6) while Southern Illinois ranks 256th (18.3).
- The Bulldogs are 33rd in the NCAA with 2.5 blocks allowed per game while the Salukis are 59th with 2.9 blocks allowed per game.
- The Bulldogs average 17.5 assists per game, which ranks 17th in the country. The Salukis rank 140th in assists allowed per game (13.5).
- Southern Illinois averages 6.3 steals per game, which ranks 123rd in the NCAA. Drake ranks 160th in steals allowed per game (7.7).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Bulldogs have scored an average of 78.6 points per game (2.1 below their season average) and allowed an average of 71.6 points per game (2.5 below their season average).
- The Salukis’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 0.2, down from 2.0 for the season.
