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Southern Illinois Salukis vs Evansville Aces Betting Preview
The Southern Illinois Salukis look to rebound from recent setbacks, while the Evansville Aces aim to defend Ford Center in this Missouri Valley clash.
Line Movement and Odds
Southern Illinois enters as the favorite, but Evansville’s home-court familiarity makes this line worth monitoring. Current market:
- Southern Illinois Spread: -3.5 (-110)
- Evansville Spread: +3.5 (-114)
- Southern Illinois MoneyLine: -172
- Evansville MoneyLine: +139
- Total: 142.5 (-110)
Check the College Basketball Odds page for real-time updates and sharper angles before tip-off.
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Matchup Breakdown
Southern Illinois Outlook
The Salukis average 71.4 points per game, with Jalen Haynes, Prince Aligbe, and Drew Steffe leading the offense. Haynes’ 17 points vs Valparaiso highlighted his consistency, while Aligbe’s 8 rebounds showcased his impact. Southern Illinois’ efficiency (38.6 rebounds per game, 86th nationally; 43.2 two-point attempts per game, 21st nationally; 8-12 overall record; 2-9 road record) underscores their strengths. Their ability to control the boards makes them a dangerous favorite.
Evansville Outlook
The Aces average 68.9 points per game, with Leif Moeller, Joshua Hughes, and Kenny Strawbridge Jr. driving production. Moeller’s 26 points vs Bradley highlighted his dominance, while Hughes’ 16 points vs UIC showcased his consistency. Evansville’s efficiency (13.4 assists per game; 3-9 home record; 5-15 overall record) underscores their strengths. Their ability to move the ball well makes them tough at Ford Center.
Key Factors
This matchup may hinge on rebounding and pace. Southern Illinois thrives on inside scoring and second-chance opportunities, while Evansville must rely on Moeller’s playmaking and Hughes’ shooting to tilt the game. Execution in the final minutes will likely decide the margin.
Injuries / Availability
Southern Illinois: The Salukis report no fresh injury concerns heading into Sunday’s contest.
Evansville: The Aces are expected to have their full rotation available.
Environment
Ford Center has been a challenging venue for Evansville, where they’ve gone 3-9 this season. Southern Illinois enters with confidence from strong rebounding performances, making this a clash of home strength vs road-tested resilience.
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Best Bets and Prediction
Projected Final Score: Southern Illinois 78, Evansville 68
- Southern Illinois -3.5 → Best Bet. Their rebounding edge and scoring efficiency suggest they can cover the spread.
- Over 142.5 → Total play. Both teams’ scoring profiles point toward a combined score above the line.
Southern Illinois’ depth and rebounding should carry them to victory, while Evansville’s offense keeps the spread in play. Expect a moderately high-scoring contest with totals surpassing the posted number.
Handicappers and Service Plays
MVC games often create unique betting opportunities. Our Best Handicappers spotlight experts who consistently read market trends, while the Leaderboard highlights who’s riding hot streaks. Premium insights in Buy Picks provide deeper reasoning behind each wager. For contests like Southern Illinois vs Evansville, expert perspectives can help identify sharp angles in spreads and totals.
