Lindenwood Lions vs SIUE Cougars NCAA Basketball Betting Pick & Prediction 1/4/25

The Lions and Cougars are set to face off at 4:30 ET on ESPN+. The Cougars will host the game at Vadalabene Center in Edwardsville, IL. This Ohio Valley conference matchup has an over/under of 137.5 points, and SIUE is favored to win by -7.5 at home vs. Lindenwood.

LINDENWOOD LIONS VS SIUE COUGARS BETTING PICK

The Pick: SIUE Cougars -7.5

This game will be played at Vadalabene Center at 4:30 ET on Saturday, January 4th.

WHY BET THE SIUE COUGARS:

• We have this one finishing with a projected score of 85-64 in favor of the Cougars.
• Not only will SIUE pick up the win, but look for them to cover at -7.5.
• The over/under is currently sitting at 137.5 points, and we like the over with a projected 149 points.

Will Lindenwood Shock Everyone at Vadalabene Center?

Lindenwood Lions Recent Game/Games

Lindenwood’s season record dropped to 3-8 after a 78-74 road loss to Eastern Illinois on Thursday. The Lions entered the game as +3.5 point underdogs and didn’t cover the spread.

After trailing 35-27 at halftime, Lindenwood outscored Eastern Illinois 37-29 in the second half but couldn’t complete the comeback. The game’s total points of 152 exceeded the O/U line of 137.5.

Lindenwood’s offense struggled from the field in their last game, shooting just 35% overall and 28% from three-point range. Their effective field goal percentage was 40%, but they managed to score 74 points, thanks in part to hitting 25 of 33 free throws (75.8%).

Zion Fruster led the way with 29 points, shooting 60% from the field and 50% from three. Markeith Browning II added 21 points and 5 assists, while Kooper Jacobi contributed 12 points and 10 rebounds, hitting both of his three-point attempts.

Despite Lindenwood’s defensive efforts, they allowed 78 points on 47% shooting from the field. The opposing team shot 45% from two-point range, hitting 19 of their 42 attempts.

From beyond the arc, Lindenwood gave up 6 threes on 11 attempts, a 54% shooting performance. They also sent the other team to the free-throw line 36 times, where they converted 22, shooting 61%.

Does SIUE Have What it Takes at Home?

SIUE Cougars Recent Game/Games

The Cougars improved to 5-6 on the season with a 77-66 win over Western Illinois on Thursday, January 2nd. Playing at home, SIUE entered the game as -7.5 favorites and covered the spread with the victory.

SIUE led 42-30 at halftime and added 35 points in the 2nd half while allowing 36. The total points for the game reached 143, going over the pre-game O/U line of 133.5.

SIUE’s offense was firing on all cylinders in their last game, shooting 60% from the field and posting an effective field goal percentage of 68%. They connected on 61.5% of their three-point attempts, going 8-for-13 from deep.

Marko Maletic led the way with 28 points, hitting 6-of-8 threes, while Brian Taylor II was 5-of-6 from beyond the arc, shooting 77.8% overall. Ray’Sean Taylor added 23 points, making 75% of his shots.

Despite SIUE’s defensive struggles, they still managed to hold their opponent to 66 points. The Cougars allowed a 60% shooting performance, with their opponent hitting 30 of 50 shots.

From beyond the arc, SIUE’s defense gave up 8 threes on 13 attempts, a 61% success rate. They also sent their opponent to the line 14 times, where they converted 9 free throws.