Southern Illinois vs Oklahoma State Info

Southern Illinois vs Oklahoma State Preview

This inter-conference mismatch sees Big 12 powers Oklahoma State (2-0, 2-0 at Home) welcoming MVC side Southern Illinois (1-1, 0-0 on Road) to the Sooner State for an early season dribble at historic Gallagher-Iba Arena. The Cowboys have won their first two games of the season, beating Green Bay (89-76) and Summit League side St. Thomas-Minnesota (80-71) as Marchelus Avery had 23 points for the winners. The Salukis lost to College of Charleston (90-80) and defeated Missouri S&T (86-64), both in Carbondale so this will be SIU’s first Road game. Oklahoma State was 12-20 SU last season while SIU went 19-13 SU.

Southern Illinois a Live Underdog in Stillwater?

Southern Illinois (0-1-0 ATS, 1-0-0 O/U) has won 18 or more games for 14 straight years and with new Head Coach (Scott Nagy from Wright State), look to keep that streak going in Little Egypt. Known for slowing down the pace in games—the Salukis were ranked No. 300 or worse in Possessions Per Game for six straight seasons—Nagy will likely bring a change of pace as Wright State played much faster under him. Jarrett Hensley (5.4 ppg) and Kennard Davis (4.2 ppg) return and the team welcomes in Transfers Elijah Elliott (UT Rio Grande Valley), who averaged 16.6 points and 3.5 rebounds last season, Davion Sykes (Texas State, 11.2 ppg, 6.9 rpg), Damien Mayo (Missouri State, 5.1 ppg, 3.4 rpg), and Ali Abdou Davion (Abilene Christian, 15.5 ppg, 4.5 rpg). So a new HC, new players, and likely a quicker pace in Carbondale this season.

Southern Illinois Betting Trends

• SIU is an amazing 3 0 SU/ATS lifetime vs Oklahoma State
• The Salukis won the only meeting in Stillwater, 61-60 in 2022
• SIU has lost 4 consecutive SU after winning 4 SU in a row
• The Over is 4-2 in the Salukis last 6 games, 3-1 last 4
• First Half Unders 12-19 last 31 SIU games (-8.80 units -24% ROI)

Oklahoma State on a Serious ATS Slide of Late

Oklahoma State (0-2 ATS, 1-1-0 O/U) also has a new Head Coach in Will Lutz (Western Kentucky) and the Cowboys look to improve after two straight seasons with over 20 losses. Lutz brought Brandon Newman (10.1 ppg, 5.3 rpg) with him to Stillwater and the Cowboys also got Davonte Davis (10.9 rpg) from Arkansas, Marchelus Avery (Central Florida), Khalil Brantley (Xavier), talented Arturo Dean (Florida International), Pat Sueminck (West Virginia) and Abou Ousame (Xavier). Like most schools these days, the Cowboys saw much movement in the Transfer portal. The leading scorer from last season, Bryce Thompson (11.6 ppg) returns as does Jamyron Keller (6.5 ppg). Getting all these new guys to jell will be imperative for Lutz but making the coaching change and bringing in all these new faces was definitely the right thing to do.

Oklahoma State Betting Trends

• Oklahoma State has lost 8 straight ATS
• The Over is 8-2 in the Cowboys last 10 games
• The Cowboys last ATS cover was on February 21, 2024 at Cincinnati
• Oklahoma State is just 10-22 ATS its last 32 (-11.95 Units / -34% ROI)
• Oklahoma State is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games overall

Southern Illinois vs Oklahoma State Prediction and Pick

This Southern Illinois vs Oklahoma State prediction and free NCAA Basketball pick will back the current overall and series Trends where the Salukis have swept the Cowboys and covered all 3 series meetings and with Oklahoma State losing 8 straight to the betting number. Oddsmakers have made the hosts big 9.5-point Favorites in this spot, so simply taking the points and expecting SIU to give OSU a good game in Stillwater is the hardwood prescription for Thursday night. If you are interested in backing the Salukis as an Underdog on the Moneyline, the opening number is +350 (FanDuel). 

Kevin’s Pick: Southern Illinois +9.5