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. Drake odds, 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.
Check out: USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll
Can you survive? New pro and college basketball survivor pools are here at USA TODAY Sports! Free to play; terms and conditions apply. Join now!
Southern Illinois at Drake odds
Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY 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)
Catch the excitement and bet with Tipico
Double Down, Ohio! Deposit $200, Get $250. Bet now!
In Colorado and New Jersey, claim your 100% Deposit Match up to $250 now. Bet now! 21+, see Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions.
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.
Stream select live college basketball games and full replays: Get ESPN+
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).
Play our free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!
Want action on this basketball game or any other sports contest? Bet legally online with a trusted partner: Tipico Sportsbook, SportsbookWire’s official sportsbook partner in OH, CO and NJ. Bet now!
If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW, or try out our USA TODAY Parlay Calculator. Please gamble responsibly.
Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.
College sports coverage from USA TODAY Sports Media Group:
Alabama / Arkansas / Auburn / Clemson / Colorado / Florida / Georgia / Iowa / LSU / Michigan / Michigan State / Nebraska / North Carolina / Notre Dame / Ohio State / Oklahoma / Oregon / Penn State / Rutgers / Tennessee / Texas / Texas A&M / USC / Wisconsin / College Football News
[lawrence-newsletter]
[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1667]