The Southern Illinois Salukis (16-15, 10-8 MVC) square off against the Bradley Braves (20-11, 11-7 MVC) in the Missouri Valley Conference Tourney at Enterprise Center. The game is scheduled to start at 3:30 p.m. ET on Friday, March 6, 2020.
Southern Illinois Salukis vs. Bradley Braves Betting Prediction
The Salukis are hoping for a better outcome after their 84-59 loss to the Missouri State Bears in their last outing. Missouri State’s 41.7 offensive rebounding percentage was their biggest advantage over Southern Illinois, who had a mark of 18.2. The Bears’ mark was above their season average of 31.5. Lance Jones was the top scorer from either team with 28 points on 10-for-17 shooting.
The last time the Braves played, they dropped a close one to the Loyola Chicago Ramblers, 67-66. Loyola Chicago’s offensive rebounding percentage was their largest advantage over Bradley. The Ramblers had a rate of 29.0 (above their season average of 20.9), while the Braves posted a mark of 19.4 (below their season average of 32.2). Bradley’s Elijah Childs had a good performance, leading both teams in scoring with 21 points on 6-for-13 shooting.
Half-court execution will be at a premium when a pair of the NCAA’s slowest-paced teams go head-to-head. Bradley currently ranks 280th in possessions per game (67.0) and Southern Illinois is 342nd (64.0).
Southern Illinois vs. Bradley Betting Pick
College Basketball Pick: ATS Winner – Southern Illinois, O/U – Over
Betting Trends
Bradley ranks 43rd in rebounds per game (38.6) while Southern Illinois ranks 299th (29.9).
The Salukis rank 54th in three pointers allowed per game (19.1) while the Braves rank 273rd (24.9).
Southern Illinois ranks 115th in steals per game (6.6) while Bradley ranks 228th (4.8).
The Braves average 3.9 blocks per game, which ranks 62nd in the nation. The Salukis rank 85th in blocks allowed per game (3.1).
Bradley averages 13.5 assists per game, which ranks 113th in the country. Southern Illinois ranks 134th in assists allowed per game (12.5).
The Salukis have been outscored by an average of 6.2 points in their last five games. For the season, Southern Illinois has defeated opponents by an average of 0.5 points.
During their last five games, the Braves have scored an average of 74.0 points per game (2.5 above their season average) and allowed an average of 74.8 points per game (8.7 above their season average).