Southern Illinois vs Arkansas-Little Rock 11/7/22 College Basketball Picks, Predictions, Odds

The Little Rock Trojans and Southern Illinois Salukis meet Monday in college basketball action at the Banterra Center. The Little Rock Trojans are coming off a 9-win season. The Southern Illinois Salukis are coming off a 16-win season.

The Little Rock Trojans have won single-digit games in 2 of their last 5 seasons. Isaiah Palermo returns after averaging 10.8 points and 3.9 rebounds, while DeAntoni Gordon averaged 10.4 points and 4.4 rebounds. Myron Gardner is a third double-digit returning scorer, and Jordan Jefferson played more than 400 minutes last season. The Little Rock Trojans do say goodbye to their top-two players in Nikola Maric and Marko Lukic, but the majority of the roster returns after that. With 3 double-digit returning scorers and 5 seniors on the roster, Little Rock should be a contender in the OVC this season. 

The Southern Illinois Salukis enter the fourth season under coach Bryan Mullins. Marcus Domask returns after averaging 15.1 points and 5.2 rebounds, while Lance Jones averaged 14.7 points and 1.9 assists. Dalton Banks averaged 2.3 assists and J.D. Muila played more than 400 minutes last season. The Southern Illinois Salukis lost some of their depth from a year ago, but they return their top-two scorers, and that’s enough to make them contenders in the MVC. Southern Illinois is an experienced team with 6 seniors on the roster, so don’t be surprised if it tops last year’s win total.

The Trojans are 6-19-1 ATS in their last 26 road games and 14-35-2 ATS in their last 51 games overall. The Salukis are 7-2 ATS in their last 9 home games and 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games overall. The under is 6-2 in Trojans last 8 road games. The under is 27-13 in Salukis last 40 overall.

These are going to be two good teams in their respective conferences and while the Southern Illinois Salukis are probably the more talented side, it’s important you don’t overlook the Arkansas-Little Rock Trojans. Arkansas-Little Rock has a great combination of production and experience on this roster and should not be pushed to the side. I’m kind of surprised this line is what it is. Give me the Trojans and the points.