Southern Illinois vs Drake Prediction 3/7/25 College Basketball Picks

In this article, we will formulate a Southern Illinois vs Drake Prediction for this college basketball game on Friday, March 7th, at the Enterprise Center. To formulate this prediction, we will examine:

-The Salukis’ recent form and recent player performance 

-The Bulldogs’ recent form and recent player performance

-Recent Betting trends and streaks involving Southern Illinois

-Recent Betting trends and streaks involving Drake

-Recent betting trends in games played between Southern Illinois and Drake

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

This is a Missouri Valley Tournament game. Drake is the top seed, while Southern Illinois is ranked 8th. When these two teams faced off on February 1st, Drake won 75-65. 

Drake is On Fire

Drake is on fire heading into this game, and they have won four games in a row. Two games ago against Evansville, Drake secured the 65-61 victory, and in the last game against Missouri State, they won 68-60. It took overtime in the last game, but they gave up only one point in the extra minutes, and that was the difference. Bennett Stirtz had a strong game, putting up 23 points, five rebounds, and three assists. Tavion Banks also couldn’t be stopped up, putting up 14 points, 11 rebounds, and three assists. The last loss came against Bradley by two points four games ago. 

Drake is averaging 70 Points while its defense is giving up 59.2 points per game. The defense is elite, and if they can win this game and advance to the NCAA tournament, it’s going to be the defense that they need to lean on. Bennett Stirtz is averaging 18.9 points while shooting 49.7 percent from the field. 

Why Drake Will Beat Southern Illinois

• Drake has won each of its last 12 games after coming off overtime.
• Drake has won the first half in each of its last 11 games against Southern Illinois.

Southern Illinois Pulled It Out

Southern Illinois didn’t have the most dominant game on Thursday against Indiana State, but they made just enough stops late to come out with the win. Southern Illinois defense gave up 42 points in the second half, Ali Dibba had another huge game putting up 30 points, nine rebounds, and two assists. If he’s still shooting like that, they can come away with a win here. Two games ago against Indiana State, the offense scored 77 points, but the defense gave up 95 points. The defense has some holes. 

The offense has been good, but the defense has left much to be desired. Southern Illinois is averaging 73.1 points, while their defense is giving up 74.3 points per game. The offense has been decent, but this team has had some major issues with the defense, and they will need the defense to be a whole lot better. Ali Dibba has been the top player all season, averaging 168 points while shooting 48.7 percent from the field and 34.8 percent from behind the three-point line. Four different players are averaging at least 10 points. 

Matchup League Facts

• Drake ranks 1st among Division 1 teams for opponent rebounds per game this season (24.8).
• Drake ranks 364th among Division 1 teams for field goal attempts per game this season (50.4)

Southern Illinois vs Drake Prediction

Not only does Southen Illinois have tired legs, but their defense is just too bad. Southern Illinois defense is giving up 74.3 points per game, and it’s going to be even worse than that here. Drake might only be averaging a little over 70 points per game, but they are going to go well over that number. Even more important, Drake’s defense has been slowing down everyone, and even against a good offense, they are going to lockdown again in a major way. Southern Illinois will struggle to get to 60 points, and Drake will end up cruising here. Back Drake to win this game and cover the spread. 

Shane Mickle's Pick: Drake -8.5