Southern Illinois Salukis vs Missouri State Bears NCAA Basketball Betting Pick & Prediction 1/15/25
Looking to win big? The Salukis and Bears face off at 7:00 ET on ESPN+. The Bears are hosting the game at Great Southern Bank Arena in Springfield, MO. The odds for this Missouri Valley conference game currently have Missouri State as the -4.5 point favorite with the over/under line sitting at 135.5 points.
SOUTHERN ILLINOIS SALUKIS VS MISSOURI STATE BEARS BETTING PICK
The Pick: Missouri State Bears -4.5
This game will be played at Great Southern Bank Arena at 7:00 ET on Wednesday, January 15th.
WHY BET THE MISSOURI STATE BEARS:
- We have this one finishing with a projected score of 78-69 in favor of the Bears.
- Not only will Missouri State pick up the win, but look for them to cover at -4.5.
- The over/under is currently sitting at 135.5 points, and we like the over with a projected 147 points.
Do the Salukis Have What it Takes to Win as Road Underdogs?
Southern Illinois improved to 4-11 on the season with an 88-78 win over Missouri State on Saturday. The Salukis were favored by 1.5 points and covered the spread.
They led 35-27 at halftime but allowed 45 points in the 2nd half, while scoring 37. The game’s total points of 166 went over the O/U line of 135.5.
Jarrett Hensley led Southern Illinois with 30 points on 68.8% shooting in their win, hitting 3 of 4 from deep. Vincent Brady II added 24 points, connecting on 3 of 5 from three, while Zaxton King contributed 23 points, making 4 of 9 from beyond the arc.
The Salukis shot 47.7% from the field, with an effective field goal percentage of 52.3%. They hit 36.8% of their threes (7/19) and 70.4% from the free-throw line (19/27), adding 14 offensive rebounds and 18 assists.
Southern Illinois gave up 78 points, allowing their opponent to shoot 47% from the field, including 52% on two-point attempts (24/46). From beyond the arc, they hit 7 of 19 threes, good for 36%.
At the free-throw line, Southern Illinois sent their opponent to the stripe 27 times, where they converted 19, shooting 70%. The Salukis also allowed 14 offensive rebounds.
Can the Bears Offense Score Enough at Home?
Missouri State Bears Recent Game/Games
The Bears fell to 5-10 on the season after a 88-78 loss to Southern Illinois on Saturday. Missouri State, who entered the game as +1.5 point underdogs, didn’t cover the spread.
After trailing 35-27 at halftime, the Bears put up 45 points in the 2nd half while allowing 37. The total points for the game reached 166, well over the 135.5 O/U line.
In their latest game, Missouri State’s offense put up 78 points, shooting 42.4% from the field. They hit 11 threes at a 37.9% clip, contributing to an effective field goal percentage of 50.8%. At the line, they made 17 of 25 free throws, good for 68%.
Jarrett Hensley led the way with 30 points, shooting 68.8% overall and 75% from deep (3/4). Vincent Brady II added 24 points, hitting 3 of 5 from three, while Zaxton King chipped in 23 points, connecting on 4 of 9 from beyond the arc.
Missouri State’s defense struggled in their last game, giving up 88 points on 47% shooting. The Bears allowed their opponent to hit 52% of their two-point attempts, with 24 makes on 46 tries.
From beyond the arc, Missouri State’s opponent shot 36%, connecting on 7 of 19 three-point attempts. The Bears also sent them to the line 27 times, where they converted 19 free throws, good for 70%. Missouri State gave up 14 offensive rebounds in the game.