Southern Illinois at Drake odds, picks and predictions
The Southern Illinois Salukis (19-7, 11-4 MVC) and Drake Bulldogs (20-6, 11-4) tangle Saturday. Tip-off from The Knapp Center in Des Moines is at 2 p.m. ET (ESPNU). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook's lines around the Southern Illinois vs. Drakeodds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.
Southern Illinois was just 5-4 through its first 9 games of the season, but it has come on strong since. The MVC's top defense (61.1 points per game allowed) has led the Salukis to a 14-3 mark since that 5-4 start, including a 53-49 win over Drake on Jan. 4.
The Bulldogs tote a 6-game winning streak into Saturday's contest. Drake has been red-hot from 3-point range, shooting 40% or higher from distance in 5 of those 6 games.
The Salukis and Bulldogs are tied for 1st place in the MVC standings.
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Southern Illinois at Drake odds
Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access Paste BN Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 9 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline: Southern Illinois +230 (bet $100 to win $230) | Drake -310 (bet $310 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Southern Illinois +6.5 (-105) | Drake -6.5 (-115)
- Over/Under (O/U): 129.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)
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Southern Illinois at Drake picks and predictions
Prediction
Drake 66, Southern Illinois 60
Moneyline
Drake is at home in a revenge spot and is rolling and that makes for a moderate lean here. The Bulldogs are better along the perimeter at both ends of the floor, and they have better handles on the basketball.
The home five would be worth a line watch in the event they drop to the -285 range, but only for larger bankrolls able to absorb the outlay.
Otherwise, PASS.
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Against the spread
Drake by 6 or 7 is a fair prognostication here. DU is certainly the likable side, but for two teams that can grind on defense in a game at below-average tempo, 6 or 7 points is a decent-size hurdle.
PASS.
Over/Under
The Under is 4-0 in SIU's last 4 games against winning teams and 4-0 in Drake's last 4 in the same category.
The Bulldogs' recent offensive numbers are propped up by a pair of double-overtime games. Don't look for a slew of points at the line or off rebound put-backs.
This series has hit the Under in 4 straight meetings. Look for another one Saturday evening. BACK THE UNDER 129.5 (-110).
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