The Missouri State Bears (14-16, 8-9 MVC) welcome the Southern Illinois Salukis (16-14, 10-7 MVC) to JQH Arena as the regular season comes to a conclusion. The game begins at 4 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 29, 2020.
Southern Illinois Salukis at Missouri State Bears ATS Odds
Both teams were beaten in their last matchup. The Bears fell to the Valparaiso Crusaders, 89-74, while the Salukis were defeated by the Indiana State Sycamores, 77-68.
Southern Illinois did a great job of making free throws (12-12; 100.0 percent) while Missouri State had an offensive rebounding percentage of 39.5 (above their season average of 31.1). Gaige Prim had a good game for Missouri State, finishing with 17 points and 10 rebounds. Southern Illinois received a boost from Barret Benson, who had 17 points and eight rebounds.
In their first matchup this season, Benson led the Salukis to a 68-66 win. He was the game’s top overall scorer with 24 points. Southern Illinois did a fantastic job of converting from the free throw line (15-18; 83.3 percent). Missouri State, on the other hand, had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (34.4 vs. 23.5).
It could be an error-filled game for the Missouri State offense. Missouri State ranks 220th in the NCAA in ball protection (turnover percentage of 19.5 percent), while the gambling defense of Southern Illinois forces the 89th-most turnovers in the NCAA (20.8 percent). Moreover, the Salukis, who rank 343rd in offensive rebounding percentage (20.7 percent), might struggle to get second chance points against the Bears, who rank 17th in defensive rebounding percentage (77.1 percent).
Southern Illinois at Missouri State Pick
College Basketball Pick: SU Winner – Missouri State, ATS Winner – Missouri State, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- Missouri State ranks 96th in rebounds per game (36.9) while Southern Illinois ranks 284th (30.2).
Bettings Trends:
- The Bears’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 8.2, up from 1.6 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Salukis have scored an average of 59.0 points per game (3.8 below their season average) and allowed an average of 63.6 points per game (2.2 above their season average).
