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UIC Flames vs Southern Illinois Salukis Betting Preview
The UIC Flames head to Carbondale to face the Southern Illinois Salukis in a Missouri Valley Conference matchup at the Banterra Center. UIC enters with a 12-10 record and momentum from a win over Indiana State, while Southern Illinois looks to extend its 13-9 season and 7-3 home mark after beating Northern Iowa. With the Salukis favored by 3.5 points, this contest highlights a battle between UIC’s recent momentum and Southern Illinois’ home-court advantage.
Line Movement and Odds
Southern Illinois is favored, but UIC’s recent winning streak makes this line worth monitoring. Current market:
- UIC Spread: +3.5 (-108)
- Southern Illinois Spread: -3.5 (-117)
- UIC MoneyLine: +147
- Southern Illinois MoneyLine: -190
- Total: 142.5 (-110)
Check the college basketball odds hub for real-time updates, especially as bettors weigh UIC’s offensive pace against Southern Illinois’ defensive efficiency.
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Matchup Breakdown
UIC Outlook
The Flames average 75.5 points per game, with Elijah Crawford, Mekhi Lowery, and Jace Carter leading the offense. Crawford’s 12 points and six assists vs Indiana State highlighted his playmaking, while Lowery’s 10 points and five rebounds showcased his balance. UIC’s efficiency (12-10 overall record; 5-6 on the road; 73.9% FT shooting) underscores their strengths. Their ability to shoot consistently and capitalize at the line makes them dangerous even as underdogs.
Southern Illinois Outlook
The Salukis average 75 points per game, with Rolyns Aligbe, Quel’Ron House, and Marcus Domask driving production. Aligbe’s 21 points and 10 rebounds vs Northern Iowa highlighted his dominance, while House’s 17 points and five assists showcased his versatility. Southern Illinois’ efficiency (13-9 overall record; 7-3 at home; 46.3% FG shooting) underscores their strengths. Their ability to score efficiently and defend at home makes them tough to beat in Carbondale.
Key Factors
This matchup may hinge on rebounding and free-throw shooting. UIC thrives on Crawford’s playmaking and Lowery’s consistency, while Southern Illinois must rely on Aligbe’s inside presence and House’s scoring to tilt the game. Execution in the final minutes will likely decide the margin.
Injuries / Availability
UIC: The Flames report no fresh injury concerns heading into Saturday’s contest.
Southern Illinois: The Salukis are expected to have their full rotation available.
Environment
The Banterra Center has been a reliable venue for Southern Illinois, where they’ve gone 7-3 this season. UIC, however, has shown resilience with three straight wins, making this a clash of Salukis’ home dominance versus Flames’ recent surge in form.
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Best Bets and Prediction
Projected Final Score: Southern Illinois 74, UIC 72
- UIC +3.5 → Best Bet. Their free-throw accuracy and recent momentum suggest they can cover the spread.
- Under 142.5 → Total play. Both teams’ moderate scoring pace points toward a combined score below the line.
Southern Illinois’ depth and home-court advantage should carry them to victory, while UIC’s recent form keeps the spread competitive. Expect a contest that leans lower-scoring, with totals landing just under the posted number.
Handicappers and Service Plays
MVC games often spotlight tempo control and defensive adjustments. Our Best Handicappers highlight analysts who specialize in conference efficiency trends, while the Leaderboard tracks who’s delivering consistent returns. For UIC vs Southern Illinois, expert breakdowns in Buy Picks can help bettors decide whether the spread or total offers the sharper edge.
