Southern Illinois at Valparaiso 2/20/19 - College Basketball Picks & Predictions

The Southern Illinois Salukis visit Athletics-Recreation Center in Valparaiso, Indiana to play the Valparaiso Crusaders. The Salukis improved to 14-13 overall and 7-7 in the Missouri Valley Conference with a 79-57 win over Indiana State. Southern Illinois was led by Sean Lloyd Jr. and Kavion Pippen with 21 points each. Armon Fletcher added 20.

Valparaiso fell to 13-14 overall and 6-8 in MVC play following its 94-79 loss to Drake. The Crusaders were led in the loss by Deion Lavender with 16 points and nine rebounds while Javon Freeman scored 15 and Derrik Smits chipped in with 15 as well. Valparaiso lost both games this season against Drake. Kavion Pippen leads the Salukis in scoring with an average of 12.7 points per game. Four other players are averaging double figures in scoring. Eric McGill is the rebounding leader with an average of 6.0 per game. Aaron Cook is the assists leader with an average of 3.8 per game. Southern Illinois is shooting 46.7% from the field and 38.1% from 3-point territory.

Derrik Smits leads the Crusaders in scoring with an average of 12.6 points per game. Two other Crusaders are averaging double figures in scoring. Smits leads Valparaiso in rebounds with an average of 6.1 per game. Deion Lavender leads the Crusaders in assists with an average of 4.1 per game. Valparaiso is shooting 46.0% from the field and 33.3% from 3-point territory.