Drake Bulldogs vs
Southern Illinois SalukisPredictions & Preview

Southern Illinois Poised for Upset Victory Over Drake in Missouri Valley Conference Matchup

This content provides a preview of the upcoming Missouri Valley Conference matchup between Drake and Southern Illinois. Drake, boasting a impressive 19-2 record, will face off against Southern Illinois, who currently sits at 10-12. The Bulldogs have historically had the upper hand in this matchup, winning both games last season. The current betting line favors Drake at -5.75. Stay tuned for more insights on this game and other NCAAB Free Picks.

Betting Odds

• Moneyline: Bulldogs -263 | Salukis +213
• Spread: Bulldogs -5.75 (-110) | Salukis +5.75 (-110)
• Total: Over/Under 128 (-110)
• Based on the moneyline, the implied probability that Drake will win straight-up is 72%.

Drake vs Southern Illinois Stats

Drake Bulldogs

The Missouri Valley conference could potentially secure two bids for the NCAA tournament this season, with both Drake and Bradley tied at the top of the league standings. Despite not receiving recognition in the top 25 poll, both teams have proven themselves with solid performances. Drake has had an impressive run, only losing to Illinois-Chicago and Murray State in conference play. Led by guard Bennett Stiritz, the Bulldogs have excelled on both ends of the court, ranking highly in defensive efficiency and rebounding. Offensively, they have shown efficiency in scoring and shooting. Defensively, they have limited opponents' scoring and have been strong in defending the three-point line. With a power ranking of 99, Drake's statistics highlight their strengths in both offense and defense, positioning them as a formidable team in the league.

Southern Illinois Salukis Analysis

Despite a slow start to the season, the Southern Illinois Salukis have shown improvement, winning five of their last six games. They are currently 5-6 in the Missouri Valley Conference, ranking ninth. The team is focused on getting hot in February in preparation for the MVC Tournament. In their last game, they secured a comeback win against Valpo, with Kennard Davis Jr. leading the team in scoring. The Salukis have solid offensive and defensive stats, ranking in the top 250 in various categories. Overall, Southern Illinois has a power ranking of 89 and is ranked 218th for offense and 238th for defense. They have a record of 10-11 and have won their last three matchups against Drake.

Southern Illinois Poised for Upset Victory Over Drake with Deliberate Pace and Strong Home Court Advantage

One of the factors motivating my decision to support Southern Illinois is their deliberate pace, spearheaded by players like Jarrett Hensley (6-8, 215) and Cam Manyawu (6-8, 228), who excel in controlling the interior. While many teams prefer a fast pace against Drake, Southern Illinois is comfortable in executing a slower, half-court strategy. The team has exhibited a significant improvement in performance following a rough patch in December. Noteworthy is Drake's vulnerability on the road, allowing opponents to shoot at a 45.8% clip, whereas Southern Illinois boasts a 45.9% shooting percentage at home. Leveraging the advantage of home court, the Salukis are poised to secure an upset victory over the Bulldogs, positioning themselves favorably in the competitive landscape of the Missouri Valley Conference.

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