Southern Illinois (8-11) vs Murray State (10-9)
January 22, 2025 at 07:00 PM EST
The Line: Betting Odds: Southern Illinois +1 — Over/Under: 136.5
The Murray State Racers and Southern Illinois Salukis meet Wednesday in college basketball action at the Banterra Center. Here’s a Murray State vs Southern Illinois Prediction. This article will include a Murray State vs Southern Illinois Pick.
Murray State Racers Betting Preview
The Murray State Racers lost to UIC and Bradley, and they play Belmont, Evansville, and Missouri State next. The Murray State Racers are averaging 74.5 points on 45.2 percent shooting and allowing 69.4 points on 45.4 percent shooting. JaCobi Wood is averaging 12.7 points and 3.8 rebounds, while Kylen Milton is averaging 12.2 points and 4.4 rebounds. Terrence Harcum is the third double-digit scorer and AJ Ferguson is grabbing 5.3 rebounds. The Murray State Racers are shooting 36.4 percent from beyond the arc and 70.4 percent from the free throw line. The Murray State Racers are allowing 30.6 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 29.7 rebounds per game.
Southern Illinois Salukis Betting Preview
The Southern Illinois Salukis beat Missouri State and Northern Iowa, and they play UIC, Valparaiso, and Drake next. The Southern Illinois Salukis are averaging 73 points on 45.1 percent shooting and allowing 73.6 points on 44.4 percent shooting. Ali Dibba is averaging 15.9 points and 2.1 assists, while Kennard Davis Jr. is averaging 14.5 points and 5.2 rebounds. Elijah Elliott is the third double-digit scorer and Jarrett Hensley is grabbing 5.5 rebounds. The Southern Illinois Salukis are shooting 34 percent from beyond the arc and 66.9 percent from the free throw line. The Southern Illinois Salukis are allowing 35.4 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 33 rebounds per game.
Why the Southern Illinois Salukis will win
- Southern Illinois has won 13 of its last 14 games at Banterra Center following a home win.
- Murray State has lost five of its last six road night games against Conference opponents.
- Murray State has lost the first half in four of its last five games at Banterra Center against non-AP-ranked opponents.
Matchup/League Facts
- Murray State ranks T4th among Division 1 teams for opponent three-point field goals made per game this season (5.4).
- Murray State ranks 5th among Division 1 teams for opponent three-point field goal attempts per game this season (17.7).
Murray State vs Southern Illinois Injury Report
Neither Murray State nor Southern Illinois have a player listed on its injury report.
Murray State vs Southern Illinois Prediction
The Murray State Racers have three road wins this season, so they’re worth a look in this spot. However, Murray State doesn’t play much defense and is coming off back-to-back losses to UIC and Bradley where they couldn’t get stops. The Southern Illinois Salukis have seen five of their eight wins come at home, and they’ve covered each of their last four games. Southern Illinois has also won five straight games against Murray State. In a near pick ’em spot, I have to roll with Southern Illinois at home, especially with the way Murray State has looked in its last two efforts.