Southern Illinois vs. Missouri State - 2/8/20 College Basketball Pick, Odds, and Prediction
Photo by Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Missouri State Bears (11-13) at Southern Illinois Salukis (14-10)
College Basketball: Saturday, February 8, 2020 at 8:00 pm (SIU Arena)
The Line: Southern Illinois Salukis -3 -- Over/Under: 126.5 Click Here for the Latest Odds
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The Missouri State Bears will travel to the Banterra Center to take on the Southern Illinois Salukis this Saturday night in College Basketball action.
The Missouri State Bears won their last contest and improved to 11-13 (5-6 MVC) on the season after defeating the Illinois State Redbirds 80-60 this past Wednesday. Missouri State led throughout most of the game, taking a 42-26 lead into half. The Bears built a 61-34 lead with 12:17 remaining in regulation and cruised to the victory. Missouri State shot 51.4% from the field despite only managing 22.2% from the three-point line. Leading the way for the Bears was Antonio Reeves who had 17 points and 4 rebounds.
On the season, Missouri State is averaging 67.7 ppg on 43.1% shooting from the field. The Bears are also averaging 6.5 three-pointers per game on 33.5% shooting from beyond the arc. Offensively, Missouri State has been led by Keandre Cook (15.1 ppg, 4.8 rpg, 1.6 apg), Gaige Prim (13.5 ppg, 4.4 rpg, 1.5 apg) and Tulio Da Silva(10.0 ppg, 7.1 rpg, 1.0 apg)
Defensively, Missouri State is allowing their opponents to average 67.4 ppg on 42.7% shooting from the field. The Bears have a rebound margin of 4.8 and a turnover margin of -1.7.
The Southern Illinois Salukis find themselves on a 6 game winning streak and improved to 14-10 (8-3 MVC) on the season after defeating the Evansville Purple Aces 64-60 this past Wednesday. Southern Illinois fought hard throughout the game, taking a 24-22 lead into half. The Salukis needed extra time to get the victory where they finally went up for good at 61-60 with just 39 seconds left in the extra period. Southern Illinois shot 40.3% from the field and 25.0% from the three-point line. Leading the way for the Salukis was Marcus Domask who had 22 points, 9 rebounds and a steal.
On the season, Southern Illinois is averaging 63.4 ppg on 43.3% shooting from the field. The Salukis are also averaging 7.2 three-pointers per game on 34.5% shooting from beyond the arc. Offensively, Southern Illinois has been led by Aaron Cook (15.0 ppg, 3.0 rpg, 3.3 apg), Marcus Domask (14.7 ppg, 5.3 rpg, 2.7 apg) and Eric McGill (11.2 ppg, 4.2 rpg, 2.7 apg).
Defensively, Southern Illinois is holding their opponents to just 60.8 ppg on 42.0% shooting from the field. The Salukis have a rebound margin of -4.0 and a turnover margin of 1.0.
The Bears are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games following a straight up win and 4-1 ATS in their last 5 road games. The Salukis are 5-0-1 ATS in their last 6 games overall and 9-0 ATS in their last 9 home games.
Missouri State has lost 5 of their last 8 games and come into this game ranked 271st in scoring offense, 217th in FG%, and 128th in scoring defense.
Southern Illinois has won 8 of their last 10 games and although their offense can struggle to put up points, the Salukis have been outstanding defensively as they currently rank 13th in scoring defense.
Southern Illinois has been outstanding ATS at home as of late, however, these games always seem to be close as their last six match-up have come by an average of just 3.1 ppg with Missouri State 4-2 ATS in that span. Missouri State has struggled on the road, however as I think their defense will keep this game low scoring and that the Bears should have an advantage on the boards, I’m taking Missouri State and the points. Good Luck!
Brett’s Pick Missouri State Bears +3
AUTHOR: Brett Nault
Mitch's Take...
