Southern Illinois (17-10) vs Murray State (11-16)
Game Info: Wednesday, February 21, 2024 at 8:00 pm (Banterra Center)
Betting Odds: Southern Illinois -4.5 -- Over/Under: Click Here for the Latest Odds
The Murray State Racers need a win after losing 6 of their last 9 games. The Southern Illinois Salukis look for a win after splitting their last 10 games. Let’s preview this game and give out a Murray State Racers vs Southern Illinois Salukis prediction.
Murray State Racers Betting Preview
The Murray State Racers recently beat Missouri State and lost to Drake. The Murray State Racers are averaging 70.8 points on 45 percent shooting and allowing 69.1 points on 45.6 percent shooting. Quincy Anderson is averaging 12.5 points and 4.6 rebounds, while Rob Perry is averaging 12.3 points and 5 rebounds. JaCobi Wood is the third double-digit scorer and Nick Ellington is grabbing 6.1 rebounds. The Murray State Racers are shooting 32.7 percent from beyond the arc and 69.2 percent from the free throw line. The Murray State Racers are allowing 35.6 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 29.7 rebounds per game.
Southern Illinois Salukis Betting Preview
The Southern Illinois Salukis recently beat Illinois State and Indiana State while losing to Belmont. The Southern Illinois Salukis are averaging 72.9 points on 45.9 percent shooting and allowing 67 points on 44.7 percent shooting. Xavier Johnson is averaging 23.3 points and 6 assists, while Trent Brown is averaging 9.2 points and 2.1 rebounds. AJ Ferguson is grabbing 4.5 rebounds and Clarence Rupert is grabbing 6.2 rebounds. The Southern Illinois Salukis are shooting 5 percent from beyond the arc and 76.4 percent from the free throw line. The Southern Illinois Salukis are allowing 29.2 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 30.2 rebounds per game.
Southern Illinois Salukis Team Facts
- Southern Illinois has won 12 of its last 13 night games at Banterra Center following a home win.
- Each of Southern Illinois' last seven Wednesday games against the Missouri Valley Conference have produced a total of 139+ points.
- The home team has won the first half in six of Southern Illinois' last seven games.
Murray State Racers Team Facts
- The home team has won each of Murray State's last four games.
- Each of Murray State's last four road night games against Conference opponents have produced a total of 134 or fewer points.
- The home team has won the first half in seven of Murray State's last nine games.
Matchup/League Facts
- Southern Illinois ranks T5th among Division 1 teams for opponent three-point field goals made per game this season (5.0).
- Southern Illinois ranks 12th among Division 1 teams for opponent three-point field goal attempts per game this season (17.1).
- Murray State ranks T8th among Division 1 teams for opponent steals per game this season (4.7).
- Murray State ranks 11th among Division 1 teams for turnovers per game this season (9.3).
Murray State Racers vs Southern Illinois Salukis prediction
The Murray State Racers continue to pile up the losses due to an offense that has issues at times, and I doubt things improve on the road. The Southern Illinois Salukis are not only playing the better ball, but they're 17-9 ATS on the season, making them one of the more profitable teams in college basketball for bettors. The line is reasonable. Give me the Salukis at home.
Randy’s Pick Southern Illinois -4.5
AUTHOR: Randy Chambers
