Southern Illinois Salukis vs Valparaiso Beacons Matchup

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

Southern Illinois vs Valparaiso Prediction

Don't miss out on the NCAA showdown between the Salukis and Beacons. The game is starting at 8:00 ET on ESPN+, and it's hosted by the Beacons at Athletics-Recreation Center in Valparaiso, IN. Get ready to place your bets! The over/under for this game is set at 149.5 points, and Valparaiso is favored by -1 vs. Southern Illinois in a Missouri Valley conference matchup.

Southern Illinois vs. Valparaiso Matchup At A Glance

Sport: NCAAB
Teams: Southern Illinois Salukis at Valparaiso Beacons
Where: Valparaiso at Athletics-Recreation Center
Date: Tuesday, January 28th
Betting Odds VALP -1, SILL -102 | VALP -118 O/U 149.5

Salukis Preview: Will Southern Illinois Shock Everyone at Athletics-Recreation Center?

Southern Illinois Salukis Recent Game/Games

Southern Illinois improved to 7-12 on the season with an 89-85 road win over UIC on Saturday. The Salukis entered the game as +6.5 point underdogs but managed to not only win but also cover the spread.

After a 46-46 first half, Southern Illinois outscored UIC 43-39 in the second half. The game’s total points of 174 exceeded the O/U line of 148.5.

Salukis Offense Breakdown

Southern Illinois put up 89 points in their last game, shooting 55% from the field with an effective field goal percentage of 58.3%. They were dominant inside, hitting 63% of their two-point attempts, while struggling from beyond the arc, connecting on just 28.6% of their threes (4/14). At the free-throw line, they shot 73.1% (19/26) and grabbed 10 offensive rebounds.

The Salukis dished out 20 assists, with Jordan Mason contributing 7 along with 23 points on 50% shooting. Ali Dibba led the team with 26 points, despite shooting 42.9% overall and 20% from three. Kennard Davis Jr. added 19 points, hitting 66.7% of his shots, while Javon Jackson was efficient, going 6/8 from the field for 14 points.

Salukis Team Defense

Southern Illinois struggled defensively, giving up 85 points while allowing their opponent to shoot 50% from the field. Inside the arc, they conceded 18 two-point baskets on 32 attempts, a 56% shooting rate.

From three-point range, Southern Illinois allowed 10 threes on 24 attempts, with their opponent shooting 41%. They also sent them to the free-throw line 28 times, where they converted 19 for 67%. The Salukis gave up 8 offensive rebounds.

Beacons Preview: Will Valparaiso Find a Way to Win at Home?

Valparaiso Beacons Recent Game/Games

The Beacons fell to 8-11 on the season after a 78-68 home loss to Evansville on Saturday, January 25th. Valparaiso entered the game as 7-point favorites but failed to cover the spread.

After trailing 44-26 at halftime, Valparaiso put up a stronger fight in the second half, outscoring Evansville 42-34. The total points for the game reached 146, surpassing the O/U line of 140.5.

Beacons Offense Breakdown

Valparaiso managed just 68 points in their last game, shooting 38.6% from the field with an effective field goal percentage of 44.3%. They struggled from beyond the arc, hitting only 27.6% of their threes (8/29), and their free-throw shooting was even worse at 46.2% (6/13). The Beacons grabbed 14 offensive rebounds and dished out 9 assists as a team.

Tanner Cuff led the way with 22 points, shooting 66.7% from the field, while Gabriel Pozzato added 21 points and 7 rebounds, connecting on 3 of 5 threes. Tayshawn Comer also contributed 17 points, hitting 4 of 5 from deep.

Beacons Team Defense

Despite giving up 78 points, Valparaiso's defense held their opponent to 38% shooting from the field, with 27 made baskets on 70 attempts. Inside the arc, the Beacons allowed 19 two-point field goals on 41 tries, a 46% conversion rate.

From three-point range, Valparaiso's defense limited their opponent to 8 made threes on 29 attempts, a 27% shooting performance. The Beacons also sent their opponent to the free-throw line 13 times, where they hit 6 free throws, shooting 46%. Valparaiso gave up 14 offensive rebounds in the game.

Salukis vs Beacons Betting Odds, Trends & Analysis

The Salukis are 3-0 ATS in their three last road games and 2-1 straight-up.
Through their last ten home contests, the Beacons offense has averaged 67 points per game while allowing an average of 78. Valparaiso posted an overall record of 2-8 while going 4-5-1 ATS.
The last ten games that Southern Illinois was the underdog, they have an ATS mark of 4-5-1 while going 3-7 straight up.
Going back to their last ten games as the favorite, the Beacons have a straight up record of 6-4. But, their mark vs the spread was just 5-5.