The SIU Edwardsville Cougars are set to face the Western Illinois Leathernecks in a college basketball matchup on December 22 at 4:30 PM EST at Western Hall in Macomb, Illinois. SIU Edwardsville enters the game as a -5.5 point favorite, with a total points line (Over/Under) set at 134.5.
According to predictive models, SIU Edwardsville has a 77.1% probability of winning, based on analysis of game simulations and team performance indicators such as player injuries and historical matchups. The Cougars have performed well against the spread recently, covering it with a likelihood of 61.1% for today’s game.
Betting trends show that, during their last 17 away games, SIU Edwardsville has achieved a positive return on investment (ROI) by hitting the first-half moneyline in 9 instances. Furthermore, they have a record of hitting the first half game total over in 17 of their last 30 games.
On the contrary, Western Illinois has struggled this season, particularly in terms of shooting efficiency. With a current average of just 8.0 assists per game—the lowest in Division 1—they’ve been facing challenges creating scoring opportunities. Their free throw shooting also suffered, recording just 60% last season, which was the lowest among Division 1 teams.
In terms of defensive stats, both teams have some areas to improve. SIU Edwardsville has averaged 10.6 turnovers per game this season, which is at least a minor advantage compared to their opponent. Meanwhile, Western Illinois has also displayed inconsistency, including a poor true shooting percentage of 44%, placing them among the lowest in the division.
This upcoming contest is crucial for both teams as they look to improve their positioning and performance moving forward in the season. With a hopeful outlook for SIU Edwardsville to leverage their predictive edge and recent trends, fans can expect an exciting game filled with potential for a strong showing from the Cougars.