The SIU Edwardsville Cougars and the Lindenwood Lions meet Thursday in college basketball action from Hyland Arena. SIU Edwardsville is 16-9 overall this year. The Cougars beat Little Rock in their last game. As for Lindenwood, they’re sitting at 9-16 on the season after a win over TN-Martin on Saturday. Check back all season long for free college basketball picks at Sports Chat Place.
SIU Edwardsville Cougars
SIU Edwardsville got off to a decent start this year with an 11-5 record over the first 16 games. The Cougars have since gone 5-4 with wins over Southern Indiana, Eastern Illinois, Lindenwood, TN-Martin and Little Rock.
In the Little Rock game on Saturday, the Cougars jumped out to a 46-37 halftime lead. SIU Edwardsville was outscored 44-38 from there but still won 84-81. Tops in scoring was Demarco Minor with 23 points and three rebounds.
Lindenwood Lions
Over on the Lindenwood side, they were a sketchy 7-9 across their first 16 games this season. The Lions are 2-7 in their last nine, falling to Tennessee State, SEMO, Southern Indiana, SIU Edwardsville, Morehead State, TN-Martin and Tennessee State.
Back on Saturday versus TN-Martin, the Lions took a 44-32 deficit into the second half. Lindenwood hit a 48-31 run in the second half and took the comeback win 80-75. Tommie Williams led the team on 21 points and five rebounds.
ANDREW’S FREE PICK
I might take a stab on Lindenwood here. The Lions have hit the skids recently, but they’re sitting on consecutive wins with a combined 160 points scored in that pair. The last time these teams met up back on January 14, the Lions took a 68-58 loss at Vadalabene Center. Lindenwood is going to need a better offensive effort in this rematch, but with the extra home push and a couple of good wins under their belt, I think the Lions have a reasonable shot at a cover.