Northern Illinois at Southern Illinois

Most are familiar with Southern Illinois who made a great impression in the NCAA Tournament a few years back, but few would recognize Northern Illinois for basketball as they are off the radar. The Saluki's are trying to find their way back to the dance, but at 5-5 it certainly looks like a long way off. N. Illinois is playing a lot better as they beat an Ill-Chi team that beat Illinois, stayed within 10 of Temple, and lost by just two to DePaul. This instate rivalry means a lot more to the Huskies and Southern Illinois gets more ink. The Huskies have the pedigree here as well, as they are 5-0 ATS on the road vs a team with a winning percentage over .600, while the Salukis at 0-4 ATS vs a team with a losing record. Northern Illinois gets the call.