Drake Bulldogs Edge Southern Illinois Salukis 67-63
Thursday, March 5, 2026, 4:30 PM ET · Enterprise Center
Drake Bulldogs 67, Southern Illinois Salukis 63, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Drake Bulldogs vs Southern Illinois Salukis?
Drake Bulldogs beat Southern Illinois Salukis 67-63 at Enterprise Center on March 5, 2026.
Who was favored in Drake Bulldogs vs Southern Illinois Salukis?
Southern Illinois Salukis were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -230 (about 70% implied). The underdog won.
In a tightly contested matchup, the Drake Bulldogs defeated the Southern Illinois Salukis 67-63 at the Enterprise Center on March 5, 2026. This victory marks a significant achievement for Drake, who has struggled throughout the season, finishing with a record of 13-19 overall. In contrast, Southern Illinois ended their season at 16-16. The game was a crucial one for both teams, showcasing the Bulldogs' resilience despite their recent form.
Drake entered the game on a nine-game losing streak, with their last victory dating back to January 29, when they managed to defeat the Evansville Purple Aces 82-78. Since then, they had faced a series of defeats, including a loss to Southern Illinois just a few weeks prior on February 19, where they fell 61-66. Their recent form reflected a struggle to find consistency, with a record of 1-9 in their last ten games and an average of 71.4 points scored while allowing 81.6 points per game.
In stark contrast, Southern Illinois had been on a four-game winning streak leading into this matchup, having won seven of their last ten games. Their performance during this stretch included victories against teams like the Evansville Purple Aces and Indiana State Sycamores, with an average of 69.9 points scored and 64.4 points allowed. The Salukis had been particularly strong on the road, boasting a perfect away record of 5-0 in their last five games.
The head-to-head record between these two teams favored Drake, who had won three out of their last four encounters. However, Southern Illinois had claimed victory in their most recent matchup, creating an intriguing dynamic for this game. The Salukis had struggled at home, finishing with a home record of 2-3 in their last five games, while Drake had not found success on the road, holding an away record of 0-4.
In terms of injuries, the block did not specify any significant player absences for either team, suggesting that both squads were at full strength for this crucial encounter. The betting lines from DraftKings indicated Southern Illinois as 5.5-point favorites, with a total set at 140.5. The moneyline odds reflected Southern Illinois at -230 and Drake at +190, indicating the market's expectation of a Salukis victory.
The conditions at the Enterprise Center were conducive for basketball, with no adverse weather factors affecting the game. Fans were treated to a competitive atmosphere as both teams vied for a crucial win.
As the game unfolded, Drake managed to capitalize on key moments, particularly in the second half. Jalen Quinn made a pivotal floating jump shot to push Drake ahead 63-58, followed by Davion Sykes' layup that extended their lead. Southern Illinois attempted to claw back, with efforts from players like Quel'Ron House, but they ultimately fell short. The Bulldogs' ability to convert free throws in the closing minutes, particularly from Quinn, sealed their victory.
This match was a testament to the unpredictable nature of college basketball, where form can shift dramatically from game to game. The Bulldogs' triumph not only ended their losing streak but also highlighted their potential to compete fiercely against stronger opponents. For Southern Illinois, this loss served as a reminder of the challenges they faced, despite their recent successes.
Fans and analysts will be keenly observing how both teams regroup from this encounter as they look ahead to the next stages of their respective seasons.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | SIU -5.5 | 140.5 o -112 / u -108 | Drake Bulldogs +190 · Southern Illinois Salukis -230 |
Leaders
- PointsQuel'Ron House28Southern Illinois Salukis
- AssistsQuel'Ron House3Southern Illinois Salukis
- ReboundsRolyns Aligbe16Southern Illinois Salukis
- PointsJalen Quinn22Drake Bulldogs
- AssistsOwen Larson4Drake Bulldogs
- ReboundsAndrew Alia11Drake Bulldogs
Recent form
Southern Illinois Salukis
Last 10: 7-3Streak W469.9 scored · 64.4 allowed per game2-3 at home
- W81-67at Evansville Purple AcesMar 1
- W66-55vs Indiana State SycamoresFeb 26
- W59-57at Northern Iowa PanthersFeb 21
- W66-61at Drake BulldogsFeb 19
- L60-70vs Bradley BravesFeb 15
- W86-60vs Evansville Purple AcesFeb 13
- W80-65at Indiana State SycamoresFeb 10
- L81-91vs Murray State RacersFeb 7
- W54-50at Illinois State RedbirdsFeb 4
- L66-68vs UIC FlamesFeb 1
Drake Bulldogs
Last 10: 1-9Streak L971.4 scored · 81.6 allowed per game0-4 away
- L53-75vs Northern Iowa PanthersMar 1
- L71-74at Valparaiso BeaconsFeb 26
- L61-66vs Southern Illinois SalukisFeb 19
- L62-86at Northern Iowa PanthersFeb 15
- L70-80vs UIC FlamesFeb 13
- L76-81vs Valparaiso BeaconsFeb 10
- L76-86at Illinois State RedbirdsFeb 7
- L90-103at Belmont BruinsFeb 4
- L73-87vs Bradley BravesJan 31
- W82-78vs Evansville Purple AcesJan 29
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Belmont | 26-6 | - | 16-4 |
| Bradley | 21-13 | 3 | 13-7 |
| Illinois State | 23-13 | 4 | 12-8 |
| Murray State | 20-13 | 4 | 12-8 |
| UIC | 19-16 | 4 | 12-8 |
| Northern Iowa | 23-13 | 5 | 11-9 |
| Valparaiso | 18-15 | 5 | 11-9 |
| Southern Illinois | 16-16 | 6 | 10-10 |
| Drake | 14-20 | 10 | 6-14 |
| Indiana State | 11-21 | 12 | 4-16 |
| Evansville | 7-25 | 13 | 3-17 |
Box score
| Stat | Drake Bulldogs | Southern Illinois Salukis |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 24-56 | 28-71 |
| Field goal % | 43 | 39 |
| Three-pointers | 9-31 | 4-25 |
| Three-point % | 29 | 16 |
| Free throws | 10-16 | 3-9 |
| Free throw % | 63 | 33 |
| Rebounds | 31 | 48 |
| Offensive rebounds | 9 | 21 |
| Defensive rebounds | 22 | 27 |
| Assists | 14 | 12 |
| Steals | 6 | 6 |
| Blocks | 4 | 3 |
| Turnovers | 10 | 10 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 11 | 11 |
| Fast-break points | 3 | 10 |
| Points in the paint | 24 | 38 |
| Fouls | 14 | 14 |
| Largest lead | 9 | 9 |
| Lead changes | 4 | 4 |
| Time in front | 53 | 38 |
How the scoring went
- 1st Half25-31Rolyns Aligbe makes layup
- 1st Half27-31Owen Larson makes driving layup
- 2nd Half27-32Quel'Ron House makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half27-33Prince Aligbe makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half29-33Andrew Alia makes 8-foot floating jump shot (Owen Larson assists)
- 2nd Half29-35Quel'Ron House makes 14-foot turnaround jump shot
- 2nd Half32-35Owen Larson makes 23-foot three point jumper (Jalen Quinn assists)
- 2nd Half32-38Quel'Ron House makes 22-foot three point jumper (Damien Mayo Jr. assists)
- 2nd Half35-38Owen Larson makes 28-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half36-38Jalen Quinn makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half37-38Jalen Quinn makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half37-40Quel'Ron House makes 13-foot jumper
- 2nd Half39-40Jalen Quinn makes driving layup
- 2nd Half39-42Quel'Ron House makes 10-foot pullup jump shot
- 2nd Half39-44Davion Sykes makes layup (Quel'Ron House assists)
- 2nd Half42-44Eli Shetlar makes 25-foot three point jumper (Griffen Goodbary assists)
- 2nd Half44-44Jalen Quinn makes 9-foot pullup jump shot
- 2nd Half46-44Jalen Quinn makes layup (Griffen Goodbary assists)
- 2nd Half46-46Rolyns Aligbe makes 0-foot dunk
- 2nd Half47-46Griffen Goodbary makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half48-46Griffen Goodbary makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half48-48Drew Steffe makes driving layup
- 2nd Half51-48Griffen Goodbary makes 24-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half51-50Damien Mayo Jr. makes driving layup
- 2nd Half53-50Jalen Quinn makes driving layup
- 2nd Half55-50Jalen Quinn makes 17-foot pullup jump shot
- 2nd Half55-52Quel'Ron House makes 10-foot pullup jump shot
- 2nd Half58-52Owen Larson makes 25-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half58-54Quel'Ron House makes 8-foot pullup jump shot (Drew Steffe assists)
- 2nd Half58-56Drew Steffe makes 12-foot floating jump shot
- 2nd Half61-56Eli Shetlar makes 24-foot three point jumper (Andrew Alia assists)
- 2nd Half61-58Quel'Ron House makes 12-foot pullup jump shot
- 2nd Half63-58Jalen Quinn makes 9-foot floating jump shot
- 2nd Half63-60Davion Sykes makes layup (Quel'Ron House assists)
- 2nd Half64-60Eli Shetlar makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half65-60Eli Shetlar makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half65-61Davion Sykes makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half65-63Quel'Ron House makes 9-foot pullup jump shot (Rolyns Aligbe assists)
- 2nd Half66-63Jalen Quinn makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half67-63Jalen Quinn makes free throw 1 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Southern Illinois Salukis, below favours Drake Bulldogs.
Venue
- Enterprise CenterSt. Louis, MO
- Attendance8960
- OfficialsRick Crawford, Randy Heimerman, Bert Smith
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