Southern Illinois Salukis vs Evansville Aces NCAA Basketball Betting Pick & Prediction 2/5/25
Making on a bet on this NCAA game featuring the Salukis versus the Aces? Tip off is at at 8:00 ET, and you can watch it all unfold on ESPN+. The game will be played at Ford Center in Evansville, IN. The over/under for this Missouri Valley conference contest is set at 140 points, with Evansville being favored by -1 at home against Southern Illinois.
SOUTHERN ILLINOIS SALUKIS VS EVANSVILLE ACES BETTING PICK
The Pick: Evansville Aces -1
This game will be played at Ford Center at 8:00 ET on Wednesday, February 5th.
WHY BET THE EVANSVILLE ACES:
- We have this one finishing with a projected score of 77-70 in favor of the Aces.
- Not only will Evansville pick up the win, but look for them to cover at -1.
- The over/under is currently sitting at 140 points, and we like the over with a projected 147 points.
Can the Salukis Lock in a Win at Evansville?
Southern Illinois Salukis Recent Game/Games
Southern Illinois fell to 8-13 on the season after a 75-65 home loss to Drake on Saturday. The Salukis entered the game as +6.5 point underdogs and failed to cover the spread.
After trailing 28-27 at halftime, Southern Illinois allowed 47 points in the 2nd half while scoring 38. The game’s total points of 140 went over the pre-game O/U line of 127.5.
Southern Illinois put up 65 points in their last game, shooting 51.1% from the field with an effective field goal percentage of 55.6%. They hit 57.6% of their two-point attempts, while going 4-for-12 from beyond the arc, shooting 33.3% from three-point range. At the free-throw line, the Salukis connected on 15 of 19 attempts, good for 78.9%.
The Salukis managed 9 offensive rebounds and dished out 7 assists in the game. Bennett Stirtz led the way with 30 points, shooting 64.7% from the field and 75.0% from three-point range, hitting 3 of 4 attempts from deep. Kennard Davis Jr. added 22 points, shooting 61.5% overall and 66.7% from three, making 4 of 6 from downtown.
Southern Illinois struggled defensively, giving up 75 points while allowing their opponent to shoot 51% from the field. The Salukis had a tough time defending inside, where they gave up 19 two-point baskets on 33 attempts, a 57% shooting rate.
From beyond the arc, Southern Illinois allowed 4 threes on 12 attempts, with their opponent shooting 33%. They also sent their opponent to the free-throw line 19 times, where they converted 15 free throws for 78%. The Salukis gave up 9 offensive rebounds in the game.
Is A Home Victory Likely for the Favored Aces?
Evansville Aces Recent Game/Games
Evansville improved to 8-14 on the season with a 80-75 road win over Belmont on Sunday. Entering the game as +10.5 point underdogs, the Aces not only pulled off the upset but also covered the spread.
After trailing 38-37 at halftime, Evansville outscored Belmont 43-37 in the 2nd half to secure the win. The game’s total points of 155 exceeded the O/U line of 150.5.
Evansville put up 80 points in their last game, shooting 41.5% from the field and 35% from three-point range. Their effective field goal percentage was 46.2%, and they connected on 76% of their free throws, going 19-for-25 from the line. The Aces also grabbed 18 offensive rebounds and dished out 15 assists.
Gabriel Pozzato led the way with 22 points, shooting 54.5% from the field. Jonathan Pierre and Tayshawn Comer each added 19 points, with Comer hitting 60% of his threes and Pierre connecting on 57.1% from deep. Sam Orme was efficient as well, shooting 75% from beyond the arc and finishing with 15 points.
Evansville’s defense gave up 75 points, with their opponents shooting 42% from the field, hitting 28 of 66 attempts. Inside the arc, the Aces allowed 46% shooting, as their opponents made 15 of 32 two-point shots.
From three-point range, Evansville’s defense saw their opponents connect on 13 of 34 attempts, a 38% clip. They also sent the other team to the free-throw line 10 times, where they hit 6 free throws. The Aces allowed 13 offensive rebounds.