Western Illinois vs SIU-Edwardsville Prediction College Basketball Picks 1/2/25

In this article, we will formulate a Western Illinois vs SIU-Edwardsville Prediction for this college basketball game on Thursday, January 2nd, at the Vadalabene Center. To formulate this prediction, we will examine:

-The Leathernecks’ recent form and recent player performance 

-The Cougars’ recent form and recent player performance

-Recent Betting trends and streaks involving SIU Edwardsville

-Recent Betting trends and streaks involving Western Illinois

-Recent betting trends in games played between Western Illinois and SIU Edwardsville

-A summary that ties it all together and produces a favorable betting outcome for Today’s Game between the Leathernecks and Cougars. 

Western Illinois Has Struggled

Western Illinois has struggled heading into this game and they have lost two of the last three games. The last game for the Leathernecks came on December 21st and they scored 65 points, but the defense gave 71 points to the Lindenwood Lions, and that led to the six-point defeat. Marko Maletic did have a strong game putting up 19 points, seven rebounds, and one assist. There were three different players that put up at least 12 points. The rest of the offense however couldn’t get anything going and that led to the defeat. Two games ago against Tennessee Tech, Western Illinois secured the 71-68 victory. 

Western Illinois on the season is averaging 70.9 points while their defense is giving up 69.1 points per game. The offense is ranked 290th in the league while the defense is ranked 125th. They are shooting 44.4 percent from the field which is 223rd in the league. Marko Maletic is averaging 16.6 points while shooting 47.5 percent from the field. 

Why Western Illinois Beat SIU Edwardsville 

• Western Illinois has won each of its last five games against SIU Edwardsville.
• SIU Edwardsville has lost six of its last seven games against Conference opponents.
• Western Illinois has won the first half in four of its last five games against SIU Edwardsville.

SIU Edwardsville Has Lost Two Straight Games

SIU Edwardsville is suddenly struggling and they have lost two straight games. Two games ago against Little Rock they lost 60-56  and in the last game against Southeast Missouri State they scored 64 points, but the defense gave up 80 points. Ray’sean Taylor was the top player putting up 16 points, four rebounds, and two assists. Guard Brian Taylor II also put up 15 points, five rebounds, and two assists. SIU Edwardsville on the season is averaging 73.9 points while their defense is giving up 67.1 points per game. The offense is ranked 235th while the defense is ranked 83rd. They want to push the pace and are averaging 65 shots per game which is 19th in the league. Ray’Sean Taylor is averaging 17 points while shooting 39.4 percent from behind the three-point line. 

Western Illinois vs SIU Edwardsville Prediction

Give me Western Illinois to get the job done in this game. Western Illinois on the season is averaging 70.9 points and they are going to have no issue running up the score here. I really don’t trust this SIU Edwardsville defense and they are giving up 67.1 points per game. SIU Edwardsville is going to have no answer here, and it’s going to be the Leathernecks that come out on top. Back Western Illinois to cover the spread here.