Southern Illinois vs Bradley Prediction College Basketball Picks 2/28/24

The Southern Illinois Salukis will play the Bradley Braves in a MVC game on Wednesday night at Carver Arena in Peoria, Illinois. Southern Illinois has won three games in a row, while Bradley has won three of their last four. Let’s take a look at the betting matchup and the Southern Illinois vs Bradley prediction. 

Southern Illinois Preview

The Southern Illinois Salukis are 19-10 (11-7) this year after they defeated Evansville by a score of 65-53 in their last game. Southern Illinois trailed 26-24 at halftime, but they out scored Evansville 41-27 in the second half for the win. The Salukis shot 41.2% from the field and were +2 in rebounding margin in the game. Southern Illinois defeated Murray State by a score of 72-68 and Indiana State by a score of 74-69 in the two games prior to Evansville. The Salukis are scoring 72.6 points per game with 32.8 rebounds per game and 14.2 assists per game, while giving up 66.6 points against per game this year. Xavier Johnson is averaging 22.4 points per game, 4.1 rebounds per game, and 6.2 assists per game. Southern Illinois is shooting 45.9% from the field, 76.5% on free throws, and 35% on three pointers this season.

Bradley Preview

The Bradley Braves are 20-9 (12-6) this season after they defeated Illinois State by a score of 48-45 in their last game. Bradley was tied at 21 at the half, but out scored Illinois State 27-24 in the second half for the win. The Braves shot 29.6% from the field and were -7 in rebounding margin in the game. Bradley defeated Missouri State by a score of 86-62 in the game prior to Illinois State, but lost to Northern Iowa before that. The Braves are scoring 74.8 points per game with 34.7 rebounds per game and 13.6 assists per game, while allowing 67.3 points against per game this season. Duke Deen is averaging 14.3 points per game, 3.2 rebounds per game, and 4.1 assists per game. Bradley is shooting 47.2% from the field, 71.8% on free throws, and 36.9% on three pointers this year. 

Southern Illinois vs Bradley Betting Prediction

Bradley comes into this matchup after winning three of their last four games and they are currently third in the MVC standings, while Southern Illinois is in fourth. The Braves will be at home for this contest, where they are 12-3 on the season, while SIU is 5-5 on the road. Southern Illinois has played very well in recent games and they have allowed fewer than 70 points in four of their last five games. Bradley did win the first meeting between these teams by a score of 70-69 and I think we are going to see another very tight game here. Take Southern Illinois with the points. 

David Racey's Pick: Southern Illinois +7.5