It will be a battle between MVC opponents when the Illinois State Redbirds (9-8, 2-2 MVC) welcome the Southern Illinois Salukis (9-8, 2-2 MVC) to Redbird Arena. The game can be seen on CBS Sports Network at 7 p.m. ET on Tuesday, January 15, 2019.
Southern Illinois Salukis at Illinois State Redbirds Free Prediction
The last time the Salukis played, they were topped by the Valparaiso Crusaders, 65-61. Valparaiso’s free throw rate was their biggest advantage over Southern Illinois. The Crusaders had a rate of 0.212 (below their season average of 0.228), while the Salukis posted a mark of 0.046 (below their season average of 0.246). Armon Fletcher played well for Southern Illinois, contributing 13 points and 10 rebounds.
The Redbirds lost a tough one against the Loyola Chicago Ramblers in their last game, 67-64. Loyola Chicago’s 10.9 turnover percentage was their largest advantage over Illinois State, who had a mark of 19.4. The Ramblers’ mark was better than their season average of 18.7, while the Redbirds’ was above their season average of 15.7. Milik Yarbrough had a solid performance for Illinois State, leading the team in scoring with 19 points on 7-for-11 shooting.
After the Redbirds won two out of three meetings against the Salukis last season, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. In the most recent matchup, Illinois State won 76-68. Illinois State did an excellent job of getting and making free throws (27-37; 73.0 percent). Southern Illinois, on the other hand, had a better turnover percentage (13.6 vs. 14.4).
Kavion Pippen has averaged 15 points,1.8 blocks over the last five games for Southern Illinois.
Points at the line could be scarce for Illinois State in this meeting. The Redbirds currently rank 279th in the nation with a free throw attempt (FTA) rate of 0.203, while Southern Illinois ranks 16th in FTA rate allowed (0.169).
Southern Illinois Salukis at Illinois State Redbirds Odds Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Illinois State, ATS Winner – Southern Illinois, O/U – Over
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Notes
Betting Notes:
Illinois State ranks 104th in three pointers attempted per game (24.1) while Southern Illinois ranks 246th (18.5).
The Salukis average 14.8 assists per game, which ranks 78th in the country. The Redbirds rank 165th in assists allowed per game (14.4).
Illinois State allows the sixth-fewest blocks per game (2.0) while Southern Illinois ranks 58th (2.9).
The Salukis rank 197th in rebounds per game (34.4) while the Redbirds rank 203rd in rebounds allowed per game (37.3).
Bettings Trends:
The Salukis have been outscored by an average of 2.4 points in their last five games. For the season, Southern Illinois has defeated opponents by an average of 0.8 points.
During their last five games, the Redbirds have scored an average of 60.8 points per game (11.5 below their season average) and allowed an average of 63.4 points per game (10.1 below their season average).
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