The Saint Louis Billikens (3-4) will be at home in Chaifetz Arena when they challenge the Southern Illinois Salukis (4-2). The Over/Under (O/U) for the game has been set at 128.5 points with Saint Louis opening as a 1.5-point favorite. Tip-off is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET on Wednesday, December 6, 2017.
Southern Illinois Salukis vs. Saint Louis Billikens ATS Preview
The Salukis had no trouble getting past the San Jose State Spartans in their last matchup, 76-58. Kavion Pippen was the top scorer from either team with 22 points on 9-for-10 shooting. Southern Illinois dominated nearly every stat category in the game. They had a superb effective field goal percentage of 0.561 (above their season average of 0.492) and a turnover percentage of 22.3 (worse than their season average of 16.5). For those same stats, San Jose State was 0.433 and 26.0, respectively.
The last time the Billikens played, they were dismantled by the Butler Bulldogs, 75-45. Javon Bess was the games high scorer with 22 points on 7-for-18 shooting. Butler’s offensive rebounding percentage was their largest strength over Saint Louis. The Bulldogs had a rate of 32.1 (above their season average of 26.8), while the Billikens posted a mark of 17.9 (below their season average of 34.0).
Half-court execution will be at a premium when two of the NCAA’s slowest-paced teams clash. Saint Louis ranks 328th in possessions per game (65.4) and Southern Illinois is 284th (67.6) dating back to the 2016-17 season.
Of Southern Illinois 4 games that accepted bets, two have finished over the O/U total, while 3 of Saint Louis 5 games have finished under the projected point total. Looking at straight up (SU) and against the spread (ATS) records, the Salukis have a substantial advantage. They are 4-2 SU and 2-2 ATS, while the Billikens are 3-4 SU and 1-4 ATS.
The Salukis won the lone game against the Billikens last season, 70-55. Southern Illinois had a much better turnover percentage (11.8 vs. 30.4). Saint Louis, meanwhile, had a better offensive rebounding percentage (37.0 vs. 32.1).
Southern Illinois Salukis vs. Saint Louis Billikens Prediction
Predictions: SU Winner – Southern Illinois, ATS Winner – Southern Illinois, O/U – Under
Betting Notes (2016-Present):
- The Billikens rank 215th in three pointers attempted per game (20.1) while the Salukis rank 306th (17.1).
- Southern Illinois ranks 239th in rebounds per game (34.2) while Saint Louis ranks 259th (33.5).
- Southern Illinois ranks 76th in steals per game (7.0) while Saint Louis ranks 240th (5.3).
- The Salukis rank 103rd in assists allowed per game (12.4) while the Billikens rank 263rd (14.8).
- Southern Illinois ranks 82nd in blocks per game (4.0) while Saint Louis ranks 198th in blocks allowed per game (3.9).
