San Jose State vs Southern Indiana: Preview and Prediction

Photo Credit: © Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

Preview

The College Basketball Invitational (CBI) tournament has begun, and San Jose State Spartans will face Southern Indiana Screaming Eagles in the first round. This matchup will take place on March 18th, 2023, at the Ocean Center in Daytona Beach, Florida. The Spartans are the heavy favorites, given their superior record, conference ranking, and historical performance. However, the Screaming Eagles are no slouches and will look to upset the apple cart. In this article, we will conduct an extensive review of both teams and provide our prediction for the game's outcome.

Southern Indiana Screaming Eagles

The Screaming Eagles had an average season, finishing with a 16-16 record and a .500 win percentage. They also struggled to cover the spread, going 10-18-1 against the spread (ATS). They play in the Ohio Valley Conference, where they finished fifth in the standings with a 9-9 record. In their last five games, they went 2-3, winning against Tennessee State and Tennessee Tech but losing to SIU Edwardsville, Southeast Missouri State, and Southern Illinois.

Their offensive game is led by guard Isaac Swope, who averages 15.6 points, 3.6 assists, and 1.4 steals per game. He shoots an impressive 45.9% from the field and 75.9% from the free-throw line. Forward Jacob Polakovich is their leading rebounder, grabbing 13.0 rebounds per game, with 5.0 on the offensive glass. However, they lack depth and rely heavily on their starters to carry the load.

San Jose State Spartans

The Spartans, on the other hand, had a much better season, finishing with a 20-13 record and a .606 win percentage. They also performed well against the spread, going 21-11-0 ATS. They play in the Mountain West Conference, where they finished fifth in the standings with a 10-8 record. In their last five games, they went 3-2, winning against Boise State, Colorado State, and Nevada, but losing to San Diego State and Air Force.

Their offensive game is led by guard Omar Moore, who averages 17.5 points, 4.8 assists, and 1.7 steals per game. He shoots 42.6% from the field and an impressive 75.8% from the free-throw line. Forward Seneca Tolbert III is their leading rebounder, grabbing 7.2 rebounds per game, with 5.0 on the defensive glass. They have a more balanced team than their opponents, with several players who can contribute on both ends of the court.

Betting Trends

Betting trends also show that San Jose State has been a popular pick among sports bettors. The Spartans have covered the spread in 16 of their last 22 games, indicating that they have been a consistent team throughout the season. In contrast, Southern Indiana has struggled to cover the spread, going 1-5 ATS in their last six games.

Public Betting Data

According to the latest data available, the public is heavily favoring San Jose State Spartans to win and cover the -8 points spread against Southern Indiana Screaming Eagles. As of now, 82.3% of bets have been placed on the Spartans, while only 17.7% have been placed on the Screaming Eagles.

Prediction

Based on our review, San Jose State Spartans are the clear favorites to win and cover the -8 points spread against Southern Indiana. They have a better record, ranking, and performance this season. They have a more balanced team with several key players who can contribute on both ends of the court. They have also performed well against the spread, going 21-11-0 ATS.

In contrast, Southern Indiana lacks depth and relies heavily on their starters to carry the load. They have struggled to cover the spread, going 10-18-1 ATS. While Isaac Swope and Jacob Polakovich have been impressive for the Screaming Eagles, they may not be able to match up against the Spartans' more balanced and talented roster.

Moreover, San Jose State has a more favorable schedule, having played in a more competitive conference than Southern Indiana. The Mountain West Conference has several strong teams, such as San Diego State, Utah State, and Boise State, which have provided the Spartans with ample experience and opportunities to improve their game. In contrast, the Ohio Valley Conference, while respectable, is not as competitive as the Mountain West Conference.

Therefore, our prediction for the game's outcome is that San Jose State Spartans will win and cover the -8 points spread against Southern Indiana. The Spartans' superior depth, talent, and experience should prove too much for the Screaming Eagles to handle.

PICK: San Jose State -8 (-110)

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