Valparaiso at Southern Illinois

Valparaiso has had a grueling road schedule but is playing well behind a strong defense. Valpo leads the Missouri Valley Conference in steals per game (8.5). They come off an overtime win at Evansville on Saturday and the Crusaders are 13-5 UNDER the total following a victory, plus 54-24-1 UNDER as an underdog. Southern Illinois plays outstanding defense, surrendering 59.2 points per game over the last nine contests. Valparaiso won both meetings last season by scores of 65-61 and 55-52 and this shapes up as another defensive battle. Play the UNDER.