| MATCHUP | Southern Illinois Salukis | Indiana State Sycamores |
|---|---|---|
| Team Records | 10-14 | 10-14 |
| Spread | +1.5 -120 | -1.5 100 |
| Moneyline | -110 | -110 |
| Total | Over 145.5 (-105) | Under 145.5 (-115) |
| Where | Hulman Center, Terre Haute, IN | |
| When | Monday, February 9, 2026 | |
| Time | 07:00 PM EST | |
| TV | ESPN+ | |
The Southern Illinois Salukis and the Indiana State Sycamores will meet on Monday evening in a Missouri Valley Conference matchup at the Hulman Center in Terre Haute, Indiana.
Southern Illinois Salukis Betting Preview
The Southern Illinois Salukis enter Monday’s contest with a 10–14 win‑loss record, including a 4–9 mark in conference play and a 3-8 record on the road. The Salukis have compiled wins over Illinois State, Northern Iowa and the Belmont Braves, while losing recent games to Murray State, Belmont and Drake. Last month, in the Southern Illinois thrilling 68-67 victory over the Belmont Bruins, Southern Illinois guard Quel’Ron House tallied 15 points (5 of 12 shooting from the field: 5 of 9 shooting from the free-throw line), 4 assists, 3 steals and 1 block showcasing his ability to lead the Southern Illinois offense.
The Southern Illinois Salukis are averaging 73.6 points on 45.7 percent shooting from the field and 28.1 percent shooting from beyond the arc per game. Shifting our focus to the defensive side of the basketball, the Salukis are allowing opponents 73.1 points per contest.
Junior guard Quinton House leads the Salukis averaging 14.4 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists and 1.7 steals per game. Sophomore forward Rolyns Aligbe adds 10.2 points, 6.9 rebounds and 1 steal per contest, providing Southern Illinois a strong presence in the paint.
Indiana State Sycamores Betting Preview
The Indiana State Sycamores enter Thursday’s contest with a 10–14 record, including a 3-10 mark in conference play. The Sycamores have compiled wins over Milwaukee, Southern Indiana, Eureka and the Milwaukee Panthers, while dropping games to Charlotte, Duke, Illinois State, Louisiana Tech and the Belmont Bruins. In the Indiana State Sycamores 85–65 loss to the Illinois State Redbirds earlier this season, Indiana State forward Ian Scott amassed 20 points (6 of 10 shooting from the field), 2 rebounds and 1 assist.
The Indiana State Sycamores average 73.3 points on 45.8 percent shooting from the field and 31 percent shooting from three-point range per game. Defensively, the Sycamores are allowing opponents 75.6 points per contest which ranks a dreadful 199th in the country.
It should also be noted that Indiana State Sycamores have played well at home this season. More specifically, the Sycamores have compiled a 7–4 record at the Hulman Center in 2025.
Senior forward Ian Scott leads the Indiana State Sycamores averaging 13.7 points, 2.5 assists, 6.5 rebounds and 1.1 steals per game. Junior guard Camp Wagner adds perimeter scoring averaging 11.9 points, 4.7 assists and 1.9 assists per contest. Guard Sterling Young is averaging 10.1 points, 1.5 rebounds and 2 assists per game.
Why the Southern Illinois Salukis Will Win
• Guard play. Junior guard Quinton House leads the Salukis averaging 14.4 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists and 1.7 steals per game.
• Defensive advantage. The Southern Illinois Salukis are allowing 73.1 points per game. Conversely, the Sycamores are allowing an abysmal 75.6 points per contest which ranks 199th in the nation.
Why the Indiana State Sycamores Will Win
• Quality frontcourt play. Senior forward Ian Scott leads the Indiana State Sycamores frontcourt averaging 13.7 points, 6.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.1 steals per game.
• Home court edge. The Indiana State Sycamore are 7–4 at home this season.
Southern Illinois vs. Indiana State Prediction
This matchup features Southern Illinois quality perimeter scoring against an Indiana State team that has played far better basketball at home relative to on the road in 2025. In my view, the Salukis defensive volatility and reliance on perimeter shooting make them difficult to trust on the road, especially against a Sycamores team that plays much better at home. For the reasons just noted, I am backing the Indiana State Sycamores to win this game and cover the 1.5 points.