Oklahoma State is coming off an 80-71 win over St. Thomas, not covering the spread, and the game went under the 157 point total. The Cowboys played excellent defense, holding St. Thomas to just 40% from the field while forcing them into 18 turnovers by stealing the ball 12 times. Marchelus Avery led Oklahoma State’s offense with 23 points and 3 rebounds.

Marchelus Avery leads Oklahoma State in scoring this season, with 16.5 points and 4 rebounds, while Bryce Thompson adds 16.5 points and 3.5 rebounds.

Southern Illinois Salukis Preview

The Southern Illinois Salukis are coming off a successful 19-13 season to finish 6th in the Missouri Valley with a conference record of 11-9. Southern Illinois had a strong home record of 13-5, but was below average at 5-6 on the road. The Salukis were 18-12 against the spread and 19-11 in over/under.

Southern Illinois is coming off an 80-90 loss to Charleston, which doesn’t cover the spread and the game went over a total of 145.5 points. The Salukis had trouble shooting the ball, shooting just 40% from the field, while being torched by Charleston’s red-hot offense, which shot 56% from the field and 45% from downtown. Elijah Elliot led the Salukis’ offense with 23 points.

Xavier Johnson led Southern Illinois’ offense last season, averaging 22.2 points, adding 4.1 rebounds and a team-high 6.1 assists per game.

Why the Oklahoma State Cowboys will win

• Oklahoma State has won each of its last seven games against non-conference opponents.
• Southern Illinois has lost four of its last five games.
• Oklahoma State has won the first half in each of its last seven games against non-conference opponents.

Why the Southern Illinois Salukis will win

• Southern Illinois has won seven of its last eight games following a home win.
• Oklahoma State has lost each of its last seven Thursday night games.
• Southern Illinois has won the first half in four of its last five night games against non-conference opponents.

Total Points Facts

• Twenty-nine of Southern Illinois’ last 30 evening games against non-conference opponents have totaled 158 or fewer points.
• Twenty-four of Oklahoma State’s last 26 games against non-conference opponents have totaled 157 or fewer points.

Matchup/League Facts

• Oklahoma State ranks 363rd among Division 1 teams in opponent three-point field goals made per game this season (14.5).
• Oklahoma State ranks 356th among Division 1 teams in opponent three-point percentage this season (43.3%).
• Southern Illinois ranks 16th among Division 1 teams in steals per game this season (12.5).
• Southern Illinois ranks 26th among Division 1 teams in speed (77.1) this season.

Southern Illinois Salukis vs Oklahoma State Cowboys Prediction

Southern Illinois has won all three previous meetings against Oklahoma State and covered the spread in all three. In their previous meeting last season, the Salukis won 70-68 at home. In this Salukis vs Oklahoma State Cowboys prediction from Southern Illinois, Oklahoma State comes in as a -10.5 home favorite. The Cowboys look sharp in their two games this season, winning by 13 and 9 points and have a solid offense that ranks nearly in the top 100 in the country, playing their third straight game at home. Southern Illinois was mediocre on the road last season and I don’t see an edge against a better Oklahoma State team. Take the home team and put the points in it.