Drake Bulldogs Set to Face Southern Illinois Salukis in Highly Anticipated Conference Matchup

Game outlook

In this content, it is mentioned that the Southern Illinois Salukis will be playing a Missouri Valley Conference game against the Drake Bulldogs in Des Moines, Iowa. The Salukis have a current record of 15-8 and have won three of their last four games, including a 74-71 victory over UIC. On the other hand, the Drake Bulldogs have a record of 18-5 and have won six of their last eight games, but were recently defeated by Indiana State with a score of 75-67. It is noted that the Salukis will be missing Cade Hornecker, while no players on the Bulldogs' team are listed on the injury report. Additionally, it is mentioned that Drake is the favored team in the betting odds, with an initial -10 point spread that has not changed.

Betting Odds

Moneyline: Salukis +398 | Bulldogs -550

Spread: Salukis +10 (-110) | Bulldogs -10 (-110)

Total: Over/Under 138 (-110)

Based on the moneyline, the implied probability that Drake will win straight-up is 85%.

Southern Illinois Salukis

Southern Illinois basketball team has been performing decently this season. They have an average score of 72.6 points per game, ranking 229th among all teams. However, their shooting percentages are quite impressive, with an overall percentage of 46.8% (86th rank) and a three-point shooting percentage of 37.1% (37th rank). The team also excels in free throws, making 75.8% of their attempts, which is considered the 40th best in the country. Xavier Johnson stands out as the leading scorer for Southern Illinois, averaging 23.5 points per game. He is the only player on the team averaging double figures in scoring. Additionally, Johnson is a skilled playmaker, leading in assists with an average of 6.0 per game. Defensively, Southern Illinois allows an average of 65.3 points per game, ranking 35th. They effectively hold opponents to a shooting percentage of 43.6% overall (187th rank) and 29.2% from three-point range (17th rank). On the rebounding front, the team averages 33.1 rebounds per game, with Clarence Rupert leading the team with an average of 6.2 per game. Rupert also leads in blocked shots, averaging 0.9 per game, while Johnson leads in steals with 1.4 per game. Overall, Southern Illinois has been performing relatively well this season. They have a power ranking of 99 and are ranked 233rd in offense and 31st in defense. They have a record of 15-8 and have been successful against the spread with a record of 15-6-1. Offensively, the team has solid shooting percentages, hitting 46.48% of their field goals (85th rank), 75.52% of their free throws (40th rank), and 37.68% of their three-pointers (27th rank). They average 33.32 rebounds per game (302nd rank) and have 14.27 offensive assists and 11.41 turnovers per game (119th rank for both). Defensively, Southern Illinois allows opponents to shoot 43.57% from the field (186th rank) and 66.33% from the free-throw line (14th rank). They are particularly effective in defending against three-pointers, allowing only 28.88% to be made (14