Drake vs Southern Illinois Picks and Prediction – 2/1/2025

The Drake Bulldogs visit Banterra Center in Carbondale, Illinois, on Saturday for a Missouri Valley Conference clash with the Southern Illinois Salukis. Drake is 19-2 overall and an MVC co-leading 9-2. Drake defeated Northern Iowa 66-52 on Wednesday, extending its winning straight to seven. Bennett Stirtz was the leading scorer for Drake with 20 points. Drake has won seven straight since suffering its only two losses of the season. Keep updated on College Basketball with our college basketball previews.

Bennett Stirtz is the leading scorer for Drake, averaging 17.8 points per game, and leads the Bulldogs in assists, averaging 6.3 per game. Cam Manyawu is the leading rebounder, averaging 6.0 per game. Mitch Mascari is second in scoring, averaging 11.8 points per game, and one of three players who average double figures in scoring. Drake scores an average of 71.1 points per game.

The Southern Illinois Salukis look for a third consecutive win on Saturday when hosting the Drake Bulldogs. Southern Illinois is 10-12 overall and 5-6 in MVC play. The Salukis defeated Valparaiso 79-75 on Tuesday night. Kennard Davis was the leading scorer for Southern Illinois with 19 points. The Salukis have won five of the last six since snapping a five-game losing streak.

Ali Dibba averages 16.5 points per game to lead Southern Illinois and Kennard Davis is second, averaging 15.2 points per game. Jarrett Hensley is the leading rebounder, averaging 5.5 per game, and Sheridan Sharp is the leader in assists, averaging 2.6 per game. Southern Illinois scores an average of 73.5 points per game, shooting 45.7% overall and 32.5% from 3-point territory.

The Drake Bulldogs will pick up a victory and cover the number on the road Saturday when visiting the Illinois Salukis on Saturday. Drake has covered the number in five of the last eight. Drake has one of the best defenses in the nation, allowing an average of just 57.7 points per game which is second. The Bulldogs hold opponents 30.6% shooting from 3-point territory which is 55th in the nation. Final Score Prediction Drake Bulldogs win and cover ATS 64-56.