Drake vs Southern Illinois Prediction 3/5/2026 Today’s College Basketball Picks

David Racey

3 hours ago

Nov 26, 2025; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Memphis Tigers guard Hasan Abdul Hakim (14) shoots the ball against Southern Illinois Salukis guard Drew Steffe (21) during the second half at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Wesley Hale-Imagn Images

MATCHUP	Drake Bulldogs	Southern Illinois Salukis
Team Records	12-19	16-15
Spread	+4.5 -108	-4.5 -112
Moneyline	+185	-225
Total	Over 136.5 (-108)	Under 136.5 (-112)
Where	VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena, Jacksonville, FL
When	Thursday, March 5, 2026
Time	04:30 PM EST
TV	ESPN+

In this article we will formulate a Southern Illinois vs Drake prediction for this College Basketball game on Thursday, March 5th at the Enterprise Center in St. Louis, Missouri. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this College Basketball matchup.

Southern Illinois Salukis Betting Preview

The Southern Illinois Salukis are 16-15 (10-10) this season after they defeated Evansville by a score of 81-67 in their last game. Southern Illinois led 38-27 at halftime and they scored 43 points in the second half in the win. The Salukis shot 47% from the field, 41% on three pointers, and 92% on free throws in the game. Damien Mayo Jr led SIU with 23 points and three rebounds, while Drew Steffe added 16 points and three assists in the win.

Prior to that game, Southern Illinois defeated Indiana State by a score of 66-55 and Northern Iowa by a score of 59-57. The Salukis have scored 73.3 points per game with 37.9 rebounds and 13.6 assists per game, while they have allowed 69.6 points against per game this season. Quel’Ron House is averaging 14.7 points and 3.3 assists per game, while Drew Steffe is averaging 10.0 points and 3.0 rebounds per game for the Salukis. Southern Illinois is shooting 45.4% from the field, 68.4% on free throws, and 28.3% on three pointers this season.

Drake Bulldogs Betting Preview

The Drake Bulldogs are 12-19 (6-14) this year after they lost to Northern Iowa by a score of 75-53 in their last game. Drake trailed 39-24 at halftime and they only scored 29 points in the second half in the ugly loss. The Bulldogs shot 31% from the field, 24% on three pointers, and 73% on free throws in the game. Eli Shetlar led Drake with 15 points and three rebounds, while Owen Larson added 15 points and three assists in the loss.

Prior to that game, Drake lost to Valpo by a score of 74-71 and SIU by a score of 66-61. The Bulldogs have scored 75.3 points per game with 35.8 rebounds and 13.3 assists per game, while they have allowed 75.2 points against per game this season. Jalen Quinn is averaging 19.4 points and 4.1 rebounds per game, while Jaehshon Thomas is averaging 9.3 points and 2.2 rebounds per game for the Bulldogs. Drake is shooting 44.2% from the field, 71.4% on free throws, and 34.4% on three pointers this year.

Why the Southern Illinois Salukis will win

Drake has lost each of its last nine games against Conference opponents.
Southern Illinois has won each of its last four games against Conference opponents.
Southern Illinois has won the first half in four of its last five day games against Conference opponents.

Why the Drake Bulldogs will win

Drake has won each of its last 11 day games against non-AP-ranked opponents at a neutral venue.
Southern Illinois has lost three of its last four games at Enterprise Center.
Southern Illinois has lost the first half in six of its last seven games against Conference opponents at Enterprise Center.

Total Points Facts

Fifteen of Drake’s last 17 games against Conference opponents have produced a total of 138+ points.
Four of Southern Illinois’ last five games against Conference opponents have produced a total of 130 or fewer points.

Matchup/League Facts

Southern Illinois ranks 24th among Division 1 teams for opponent free throw percentage this season (68.8%).
Southern Illinois ranks 24th among Division 1 teams for defensive rating this season (98.9).

Southern Illinois vs Drake Prediction

Southern Illinois comes into this matchup on a four game winning streak, which includes a 66-61 win over Drake on February 18th. The Salukis are shooting 45% from the field and they have allowed 67 points or fewer in four straight. Drake has lost nine games in a row, with three of their last five coming by at least ten points. The Bulldogs are shooting 44% from the field and they have allowed 75+ points in three of their last five. Take Southern Illinois to get a win and cover here.