Southern Illinois vs Evansville Prediction 1/25/2026 Today’s College Basketball Picks

In this article we will formulate a Southern Illinois vs Evansville prediction for this College Basketball game on Sunday, January 25th at the Ford Center in Evansville, Indiana. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this College Basketball matchup.

Southern Illinois Salukis Betting Preview

The Southern Illinois Salukis are 8-12 (2-7) this season after they lost to Valparaiso by a score of 69-63 in their last game. Southern Illinois trailed 39-20 at halftime, but they did score 43 points in the second half in the loss. The Salukis shot 41% from the field, 21% on three pointers, and 60% on free throws in the game. Jalen Haynes led Southern Illinois with 17 points and five assists, while Drew Steffe added 14 points and three rebounds in the loss. 

Prior to that game, Southern Illinois lost to Belmont by a score of 73-68 and Drake by a score of 76-73. The Salukis have scored 75.5 points per game with 38.6 rebounds and 14.0 assists per game, while they have allowed 73.3 points against per game this season. Quel’Ron House is averaging 13.7 points and 3.1 assists per game, while Drew Steffe is averaging 9.9 points and 2.8 rebounds per game for the Salukis. Southern Illinois is shooting 46.3% from the field, 66.5% on free throws, and 27.8% on three pointers this season. 

Evansville Purple Aces Betting Preview

The Evansville Purple Aces are 5-15 (1-8) this year after they lost to UIC by a score of 76-49 in their last game. Evansville trailed 34-20 at halftime and they allowed 42 points in the second half in the lopsided loss. The Purple Aces shot 30% from the field, 22% on three pointers, and 83% on free throws in the game. Joshua Hughes led Evansville with 16 points and six rebounds, while Bryce Quinet added 10 points and three assists in the loss. 

Prior to that game, Evansville lost to Bradley by a score of 94-90, but did beat Indiana State by a score of 72-69 before that. The Purple Aces have scored 67.3 points per game with 33.6 rebounds and 13.5 assists per game, while they have allowed 73.8 points against per game this season. AJ Casey is averaging 10.8 points and 5.4 rebounds per game, while Joshua Hughes is averaging 9.7 points and 5.0 rebounds per game for the Purple Aces. Evansville is shooting 42.1% from the field, 71.9% on free throws, and 30.8% on three pointers this year. 

Why the Evansville Purple Aces will win

• Southern Illinois has lost each of its last four games against non-AP-ranked opponents.
• The home team has won the first half in seven of Southern Illinois’ last nine games.

Why the Southern Illinois Salukis will win

• Evansville has lost 12 of its last 13 games against the Missouri Valley Conference.
• Southern Illinois has won each of its last six games at Ford Center.
• Southern Illinois has won the first half in five of its last six road games against Evansville.

Total Points Facts

• Eight of Evansville’s last nine day games against non-AP-ranked opponents have produced a total of 142 or fewer points.
• Seven of Southern Illinois’ last eight games against non-AP-ranked opponents at Ford Center have produced a total of 134 or fewer points.

Southern Illinois vs Evansville Prediction 

Both of these teams come into this matchup with pretty poor conference records, but one side will get a big win here. Evansville is shooting 42% from the field and they have allowed 76+ in three of their last four. Southern Illinois is shooting 46% from the field, but they have scored fewer than 70 points in four of their last five. Both sides are struggling, but Southern Illinois has the better numbers and they have at least been in close games. Take the Salukis here.

David Racey's Pick: Southern Illinois -3.5