Northern Iowa at Southern Illinois

The Southern Illinois Saluki's were the kingpin along with Creighton in the MVC for the better part of the last 10 years. Southern Illinois has slipped, and a home court that was once invincible is no longer as the talent level has drifted downward. Northern Iowa was impressive the last couple years as they made it all the way to the sweet sixteen. Although a lot of the contributors from that team have departed, the rotation was deep and the next group has stepped up to get them off to a 9-4 start. The Panthers own wins over Iowa State and New Mexico, and won't be intimidated here. The Saluki's strength is defense as they allow just 40.1% shooting. But over the past two seasons, Northern Iowa has an even better defense and they are 16-4 straight-up vs. teams that allow under 43% from the field. On the flip side, Southern Illinois is just 4-14 straight up vs. teams that allow under 43% shooting over the past three seasons. They are also 3-17 over that span vs. teams that outscore their opponents by 4+ ppg. I'm on Northern Iowa on the moneyline.