Murray State (13-14) vs Southern Illinois (12-15)
February 19, 2025 at 07:00 PM EST
The Line: Betting Odds: Murray State -1.5 — Over/Under: 137.5
The Southern Illinois Salukis and Murray State Racers meet Wednesday in college basketball action at the CFSB Center. Here’s a Southern Illinois vs Murray State Prediction. This article will include a Southern Illinois vs Murray State Pick.
Southern Illinois Salukis Betting Preview
The Southern Illinois Salukis lost to Bradley and Belmont, and they play Valparaiso, Illinois State, and Indiana State next. The Southern Illinois Salukis are averaging 72.7 points on 45.8 percent shooting and allowing 73.5 points on 44.5 percent shooting. Ali Dibba is averaging 17 points and 2 assists, while Kennard Davis Jr. is averaging 15.3 points and 5 rebounds. Elijah Elliott is the third double-digit scorer and Jarrett Hensley is grabbing 5.6 rebounds. The Southern Illinois Salukis are shooting 34.6 percent from beyond the arc and 68.7 percent from the free throw line. The Southern Illinois Salukis are allowing 36 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 32.9 rebounds per game.
Murray State Racers Betting Preview
The Murray State Racers beat UIC, lost to Northern Iowa, and they play Bradley, Indiana State, and Belmont next. The Murray State Racers are averaging 72.1 points on 44.4 percent shooting and allowing 69.2 points on 45.7 percent shooting. JaCobi Wood is averaging 13.4 points and 3.7 rebounds, while AJ Ferguson is averaging 11.7 points and 5.6 rebounds. Kylen Milton is the third double-digit scorer and Terrence Harcum is grabbing 2.3 rebounds. The Murray State Racers are shooting 34.8 percent from beyond the arc and 70.6 percent from the free throw line. The Murray State Racers are allowing 31.7 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 29.8 rebounds per game.
Why the Murray State Racers will win
- Murray State has won 10 of its last 11 Wednesday games at CFSB Center.
- The home team has won the first half in three of the last four games between Southern Illinois and Murray State.
Why the Southern Illinois Salukis will win
- Southern Illinois has won four of its last five road games.
- Murray State has lost three of its last four games at CFSB Center.
- Murray State has lost the first half in three of its last four games at CFSB Center against non-AP-ranked opponents.
Total Points Facts
- Each of Murray State’s last eight Wednesday night games against the Missouri Valley Conference has produced a total of 138+ points.
- Seven of Southern Illinois’ last eight games have produced a total of 138+ points.
Matchup/League Facts
- Murray State ranks 6th among Division 1 teams for opponent three-point field goals made per game this season (5.5).
- Murray State ranks 8th among Division 1 teams for opponent assist-to-turnover ratio this season (0.75).
Southern Illinois vs Murray State Injury Report
Neither Southern Illinois nor Murray State has a player listed on its injury report.
Southern Illinois vs Murray State Prediction
Murray State is getting the edge because it’s at home, and the Racers beat Southern Illinois on the road a month ago. However, neither Southern Illinois nor Murray State is playing good ball right now, and I’m not excited to lay points with either side. Also, the underdog has covered six of the last eight games between Murray State and Southern Illinois. Four of those six covers were outright wins from the underdog. Murray State has failed to cover seven of its last 10 games. This is a winnable game for Southern Illinois, on the road or not. Give me the free bucket.