The Southern Illinois Salukis (5-4) look to put an end to the five-game winning streak of Lamar when they welcome the Cardinals (8-1) to SIU Arena. Action starts at 4 p.m. ET on Sunday, December 17, 2017.
Lamar Cardinals at Southern Illinois Salukis ATS Preview
The last time the Cardinals played, they easily got past the Howard Payne Yellow Jackets, 112-56. With 17 points and seven rebounds, Colton Weisbrod played well for Lamar. Lamar played a flawless game. They had a turnover percentage of 11.6 (better than their season average of 17.2) and a free throw rate of 0.378 (above their season average of 0.273). For those same stats, Howard Payne was 35.9 and 0.127, respectively.
The Salukis come in on a high note after thoroughly outplaying the Jackson State Tigers in their last outing, 69-51. Southern Illinois was lifted by Kavion Pippen, who was the games leading scorer with 24 points on 10-for-14 shooting. The Salukis knocked down 22 of their 28 free throws (78.6 percent) and had an effective field goal percentage of 0.560 (above their season average of 0.504).
This has potential to be an error-filled game for the offense of Southern Illinois. Since last season, Southern Illinois ranks 271st in the NCAA in ball protection (turnover percentage of 18.6 percent), while the gambling defense of Lamar has forced the 25th-most turnovers in the NCAA (24.0 percent).
Lamar Cardinals vs. Southern Illinois Salukis Betting Prediction
Predictions: SU Winner – Southern Illinois, ATS Winner – Southern Illinois, O/U – Over
Betting Notes (2016-Present):
- The Salukis rank 25th in assists allowed per game (12.3) while the Cardinals rank 103rd (13.0).
- Lamar averages 36.1 rebounds per game, which ranks 141st in the NCAA. Southern Illinois ranks 144th in rebounds allowed per game (35.3).
- Southern Illinois ranks 38th in blocks per game (4.1) while Lamar ranks 160th in blocks allowed per game (4.2).
- The Cardinals rank 30th in three pointers allowed per game (18.2) while the Salukis rank 140th (20.7).
- Lamar averages 8.7 steals per game, which ranks 21st in the NCAA. Southern Illinois ranks 118th in steals allowed per game (5.5).
