Charleston vs. Southern Illinois Odds, Prediction: 2024 College Basketball Picks, Nov. 4 Best Bets by Model

Matchup Information

**Teams:** Charleston Cougars at Southern Illinois Salukis **Location:** Banterra Center, Carbondale, Ill. **Date:** Saturday, Nov. 4, 2024 **Time:** 2 p.m. ET **TV:** ESPN+

Matchup Analysis

A pair of mid-major programs looking to bounce back from disappointing seasons in 2023-24 will tip off their respective 2024-25 campaigns when the College of Charleston Cougars visit the Southern Illinois Salukis on Saturday afternoon in Carbondale, Ill. Charleston went just 18-13 last season, failing to qualify for the NCAA Tournament after advancing to the first round the previous year. Southern Illinois went 13-19 in 2023-24 and hasn't reached the NCAA Tournament since 2018. The Cougars are led by senior guard Ante Brzovic, who averaged 15.2 points per game last season. Charleston also returns junior guard Dalton Bolon, who averaged 10.8 points per game. The Salukis are led by senior forward Marcus Domask, who averaged 15.1 points and 7.8 rebounds per game last season. Southern Illinois also returns junior guard Jalen Pendleton, who averaged 11.7 points per game.

Charleston Strengths

* Charleston is a veteran team with four starters returning from last season's squad. * The Cougars have a good inside-outside balance with Brzovic and Bolon leading the way offensively. * Charleston has a strong defense that ranked 35th in the nation in adjusted defensive efficiency last season.

Charleston Weaknesses

* Charleston doesn't have a lot of depth, especially in the frontcourt. * The Cougars struggled to shoot the ball from three-point range last season, making just 32.7% of their attempts. * Charleston has a tough non-conference schedule that includes games against Gonzaga, Purdue, and Maryland.

Southern Illinois Strengths

* Southern Illinois has a talented frontcourt led by Domask and 6'10" center Kavion Pippen. * The Salukis have a good three-point shooter in Pendleton, who made 40.2% of his attempts from beyond the arc last season. * Southern Illinois has a good home-court advantage, going 9-5 at Banterra Center last season.

Southern Illinois Weaknesses

* Southern Illinois doesn't have a lot of experience in the backcourt, with Pendleton being the only returning starter. * The Salukis struggled to rebound the ball last season, ranking 286th in the nation in rebounding margin. * Southern Illinois has a tough non-conference schedule that includes games against Illinois, Missouri, and Saint Louis.

Prediction

This is a tough matchup to call, as both teams have their strengths and weaknesses. Charleston has the more experienced team, but Southern Illinois has the home-court advantage. In the end, I'm going to give a slight edge to the Cougars, as I think their experience will be the difference in a close game. **Prediction:** Charleston 72, Southern Illinois 68