The set-up: Southern Illinois has won five straight and is 7-3 in the Missouri Valley Conference, but I believe it'll finally have a letdown here vs. this hungry home side. Evansville is desperate beyond believe after opening conference play by going 0-10, most recently falling 80-68 to Northern Iowa. The Salukis are just 10-12 overall though and if not now, when for the Purple Aces? The Salukis average 63.3 points and it allows 60.8. Evansville averages 69.2 PPG and it allows 75.2. Yes, on paer this one favors SIU, but I think the visitors finally get caught looking past their opponent today.

The pick: Note as well that SIU has seen the total go under the number in 24 of its last 35 after playing a road game, while Evansville has seen the total dip under in seven of ten vs. conference opponents already this season. With the home side expected to risk life and limb to get off the 0-10 losing streak, expect a slower-paced battle, where each possession is challenged. This number is a little high.

10* TOTAL BEST OF THE BEST on the UNDER SIU/Evansville.