The SIUE Cougars head to Cameron Indoor Stadium for a challenging game against the Duke Blue Devils. With a current record of 2-2, the Cougars have had success at home but struggled on the road. Their recent games have seen mixed results, including a narrow loss to Lipscomb and a win over Concordia-Chicago.
Duke, ranked number 2 in the AP poll, enters this game with a 2-1 record. They have displayed dominance in their victories, especially at home. Players like Patrick Ngongba II have been key contributors, showcasing strong performances against teams like Coastal Carolina.
With Duke heavily favored with a -44.5 spread, the odds point to a tough game for SIUE. However, players like David Wilson and Gianni Cobb will look to make an impact for the Cougars. This game is set for Friday, November 13, 2026, at 8:00 PM ET and will be aired on CW.
Duke vs SIUE At a Glance
- Matchup: SIUE Cougars vs #2 Duke Blue Devils
- Location: Cameron Indoor Stadium, Durham NC
- TV Channel: CW
- Duke Record: 2-1 in the 2027 Regular Season
- SIUE Record: 2-2 in the 2027 Regular Season
- Game Odds: Duke favored with a spread of -44.5
Duke's Home Court Battle: Analyzing the Blue Devils' Strengths
Offensive Performance
The Duke Blue Devils average 90 points per game, placing them 70th in the nation. This scoring is driven by a balanced attack, despite their 3-point percentage standing at 30.1%. They excel at the free-throw line, making 24.7 per game, which ranks 12th nationally.
Field goals are a crucial part of Duke's offensive plan. They attempt 60.3 field goals per game, although their field goal percentage is 48.1%. This shows they focus on efficient shot selection and making the most of their opportunities.
Rebounding and Assists
Duke grabs 43.3 rebounds per game, highlighting their ability to control the boards. This strength aids in maintaining possession and creating second-chance points. With 19 assists per game, they rank 57th, emphasizing their teamwork and ball movement.
Patrick Ngongba II leads the team in rebounds with 7.7 per game. His presence in the paint is a significant factor in Duke's rebounding success.
Defensive Stats
Duke records 11 steals per game, showing their ability to disrupt opponents' offenses. Their defensive energy helps them force turnovers and gain additional possessions. However, they allow 19 fouls per game, which could be an area for improvement.
The Blue Devils also average 7 blocks per game, showcasing their defensive presence in the paint. Players like Joaquim Boumtje Boumtje contribute to this with his shot-blocking ability.
Key Players to Watch
Patrick Ngongba II is a key player for Duke, averaging 16.3 points and 7.7 rebounds per game. His shooting efficiency is impressive, with a field goal percentage of 57.7%. Another player to note is John Blackwell, contributing 11.7 points per game.
Dame Sarr adds versatility to the team with 11.3 points and 2.3 assists per game. His shooting accuracy is notable, hitting 71.4% of his field goals.
Injury Concerns
Caleb Foster is currently dealing with an ankle injury, and his status is questionable. This could impact Duke's backcourt depth. Drew Scharnowski is also questionable with a knee issue, which may affect the team's forward rotation.
Betting Trends
- SU Last 3: 2-1 (66.7%)
- SU Last 5: 2-1 (66.7%)
- SU Last 10: 2-1 (66.7%)
- SU All Games: 2-1 (66.7%)
- SU as Favorite: 2-1 (66.7%)
Against the Spread (ATS) Trends
- ATS Last 3: 1-2 (33.3%)
- ATS Last 5: 1-2 (33.3%)
- ATS Last 10: 1-2 (33.3%)
- ATS All Games: 1-2 (33.3%)
- ATS as Favorite: 1-2 (33.3%)
Totals (Over/Under) Trends
- O/U Last 3: 2-1 (66.7%)
- O/U Last 5: 2-1 (66.7%)
- O/U Last 10: 2-1 (66.7%)
- O/U All Games: 2-1 (66.7%)
SIUE Cougars Prepare for an Exciting Game
Team Overview
The SIUE Cougars are experiencing a competitive start to their season. Their points per game stand at 77.8, placing them 213th nationally. They average 68.7 possessions per game.
Field goal shooting is a strong point for the Cougars, with a 49.4% success rate. They have a notable 2PT shooting approach, attempting 45.2 shots per game. Their 2PT shooting percentage is 58.0.
Offensive Strategy
Despite their effective field goal percentage of 53.4, the Cougars struggle from beyond the arc. They make just 5.0 three-pointers per game. The team attempts 18.0 three-pointers per game, with a 27.8% accuracy.
Free throw shooting has been another challenge, with a 66.1% success rate. They make 10.2 free throws on average per game. Their rebounding stands at 35.0 per game.
Defensive Performance
Defensively, the Cougars generate 9.2 steals and 5.0 blocks per game. They maintain control with 11.2 turnovers per game. Fouls per game average at 15.8.
SIUE lost their recent game against Missouri Tigers, 96-58. However, they managed a close game against Lipscomb Bisons, losing only by one point, 78-77.
Key Players to Watch
David Wilson, a forward, is a crucial player for the Cougars. He averages 10.5 points and 5.8 rebounds per game. His field goal percentage is a strong 63.0%.
Jordan Pickett is another standout, averaging 11.5 points per game. His shooting accuracy from the field is 40.4%. Gianni Cobb contributes 10.0 points per game and shows promise as a guard.
Betting Trends
- SU Last 3: 1-2 (33.3%)
- SU All Games: 2-2 (50.0%)
- ATS All Games: 1-1-2 (25.0%)
- O/U All Games: 2-0 (100.0%)
Duke vs SIUE Prediction: Over 149.5
Duke is averaging 90 points per game this season, which ranks them at a strong spot in offensive output. SIUE scores 77.8 points per game, indicating they have some scoring ability. Together, these teams can surpass the 149.5 total set by oddsmakers.
SIUE's defense has shown vulnerability, allowing teams to score at a decent clip. Duke's high-paced offense will capitalize on this, pushing the score higher. Considering Duke's home court advantage at Cameron Indoor Stadium, their scoring might be even more aggressive.
Duke’s previous games this season have often gone over the projected totals, reflecting their offensive capabilities. SIUE has also participated in games that have exceeded totals, suggesting they can contribute to a higher-scoring contest. These trends support the expectation for a high-scoring outcome.
Considering these factors, the over 149.5 is the more favorable play in this matchup. A projected final score could see Duke 94 - SIUE 67, easily eclipsing the total. This score reflects both teams' offensive inclinations and current form.
- Duke vs SIUE Prediction: Over 149.5
- Duke vs SIUE Score: Duke 94 - SIUE 67
Disclaimer: Knup Predictions are for entertainment and informational purposes only. Must be 21+ where applicable. Please gamble responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call 1-800-GAMBLER.
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