Lindenwood Lions vs SIUE Cougars Matchup

Read on to get betting odds and analysis in our Lindenwood vs SIUE NCAA Basketball prediction and preview and see who we think will win and cover the spread in Edwardsville.

Lindenwood vs SIUE Prediction

Making on a bet on this NCAA game featuring the Lions versus the Cougars? Tip off is at at 4:30 ET, and you can watch it all unfold on ESPN+. The game will be played at Vadalabene Center in Edwardsville, IL. This Ohio Valley conference matchup has an over/under of 137.5 points, and SIUE is favored to win by -7.5 at home vs. Lindenwood.

Lindenwood vs. SIUE Matchup At A Glance

Sport: NCAAB
Teams: Lindenwood Lions at SIUE Cougars
Where: Edwardsville at Vadalabene Center
Date: Saturday, January 4th
Betting Odds SIUE -7.5, JAC +260 | SIUE -334 O/U 137.5

Lions Preview: Taking a Look at the Lions Chances in Edwardsville

Lindenwood Lions Recent Game/Games

The Lions fell to 3-8 on the season after a 78-74 road loss to Eastern Illinois on Thursday. Lindenwood entered the game as +3.5 point underdogs and failed to cover the spread. The total points for the game hit 152, surpassing the pre-game O/U line of 137.5.

After trailing 35-27 at halftime, the Lions outscored the Panthers 37-29 in the second half, but their comeback effort fell short.

Lions Offense Breakdown

Lindenwood's offense struggled from the field in their last game, shooting just 35% overall and 28% from beyond the arc, with an effective field goal percentage of 40%. They did manage to connect on 25 of 33 free throws, hitting 75.8% from the line. Zion Fruster led the way with 29 points, hitting 3 of 6 from deep and shooting 60% overall.

Markeith Browning II added 21 points and 5 assists, while Artese Stapleton contributed 16 points on 5 of 9 shooting. Kooper Jacobi was perfect from three, hitting both attempts and finishing with 12 points and 10 rebounds. Lindenwood finished with 9 offensive boards and 14 assists as a team.

Lions Team Defense

Despite Lindenwood's defensive efforts, they allowed 78 points in this one, with their opponents shooting 47% from the field. The Lions gave up 19 two-point baskets on 42 attempts, a 45% shooting rate.

From beyond the arc, Lindenwood's defense allowed 6 threes on 11 attempts, a 54% clip. They also sent their opponents to the line 36 times, where they converted 22 free throws, shooting 61%. The Lions gave up 8 offensive rebounds.

Cougars Preview: Will the Cougars Defense Show Up at Home?

SIUE Cougars Recent Game/Games

SIUE improved to 5-6 on the season with a 77-66 win over Western Illinois on Thursday, January 2nd. Playing at home, the Cougars entered the game as -7.5 favorites and covered the spread with the victory.

SIUE led 42-30 at halftime and scored 35 points in the 2nd half while allowing 36. The game’s total points reached 143, going over the pre-game O/U line of 133.5.

Cougars Offense Breakdown

SIUE's offense was firing on all cylinders in their last game, shooting 60% from the field and 61.5% from three-point range, hitting 8 of 13 attempts. Their effective field goal percentage was an impressive 68%, and they scored 77 points in the game.

Marko Maletic led the way with 28 points, hitting 6 of 8 threes, while Ray'Sean Taylor added 23 points on 9 of 12 shooting. Brian Taylor II was also efficient, going 7 of 9 from the field and hitting 5 of 6 threes.

Cougars Team Defense

Even with SIUE's defense giving up 66 points, the Cougars couldn't capitalize, as their opponents shot 60% from the field, including 59% on two-point attempts. SIUE also struggled to contain the three-point line, where their opponents hit 61% of their shots.

SIUE sent their opponents to the free-throw line 14 times, where they converted 9 attempts. The Cougars allowed 8 offensive rebounds in the game.

Lions vs Cougars Betting Odds, Trends & Analysis

In their last five games away from home, the Lions have a straight up record of 0-5 while going 1-4 vs the spread. The team's offense averaged 61 points per game in these contests.
Through their last five home contests, the Cougars offense has averaged 66 points per game while allowing an average of 70. SIUE posted an overall record of 2-3 while going 2-3 ATS.
Looking back on the team's last five games as the underdog, the Lions have a straight up record of 1-4. Their record vs the spread in these games was 2-3.
SIUE has done well both straight up and vs the spread when favored to win the game, going 4-1 SU and 4-1 ATS in their last five games.