Eastern Kentucky vs Southern Illinois Prediction College Basketball Picks 11/26/24

The Eastern Kentucky Colonels and Southern Illinois Salukis meet Tuesday in college basketball action at the Hertz Arena. Here’s an Eastern Kentucky vs Southern Illinois Prediction. This article will include an Eastern Kentucky vs Southern Illinois Pick.

Eastern Kentucky Colonels Betting Preview

The Eastern Kentucky Colonels lost to Ball State, beat Chicago State, and they play LA Tech, Troy, and Pittsburgh next. The Eastern Kentucky Colonels are averaging 82 points on 42.9 percent shooting and allowing 72 points on 44 percent shooting. Devontae Blanton is averaging 16.3 points and 6.3 rebounds, while George Kimble III is averaging 11.8 points and 5 assists. Mayar Wol is the third double-digit scorer and Jordan Crawford is grabbing 1.3 rebounds. The Eastern Kentucky Colonels are shooting 30.3 percent from beyond the arc and 61.1 percent from the free throw line. The Eastern Kentucky Colonels are allowing 30.2 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 47.8 rebounds per game.

Southern Illinois Salukis Betting Preview

The Southern Illinois Salukis lost to Florida and LA Tech, and they play Bradley, Southern Indiana, and Austin Peay next. The Southern Illinois Salukis are averaging 76.2 points on 44.4 percent shooting and allowing 75.2 points on 41.9 percent shooting. Ali Dibba is averaging 14.4 points and 2 assists, while Kennard Davis Jr. is averaging 14 points and 3.4 rebounds. Elijah Elliott is the third double-digit scorer and Jarrett Hensley is grabbing 5.6 rebounds. The Southern Illinois Salukis are shooting 33.3 percent from beyond the arc and 64 percent from the free throw line. The Southern Illinois Salukis are allowing 34 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 44.6 rebounds per game.

Why the Southern Illinois Salukis will win

• Southern Illinois has won six of its last seven games after coming off overtime.
• Eastern Kentucky has lost 12 of its last 16 games against non-conference opponents.
• Southern Illinois has won the first half in each of its last three games against non-conference opponents at Hertz Arena.

Eastern Kentucky vs Southern Illinois Prediction

I’m not running to the window to back either Eastern Kentucky or Southern Illinois, two teams that are 3-6 ATS in their last 9 games. However, the Southern Illinois Salukis should have the edge because they’re more trustworthy defensively. With both teams on the end of a back-to-back, the better defense usually has the edge due to potentially tired legs. We’re not laying much. I’ll roll with the Salukis if forced to pick. 

Randy Chambers's Pick: Southern Illinois -4.5