So Illinois -3.5
This game has a lot to do with feeling and not much to do with statistics. However you can't deny the importance of the Saluki's playing in Carbondale. It is what it is, a great home court advantage, no matter how bad the team is. Although this team isn't playing up to par, it has something last year's team didn't....talent. Last year when the Saluki's were losing it looked hopeless....well cause it was. At least this season they have some talent with freshman Kevin Dillard, and Anthony Booker. Dillard has for the most part lived up to the hype, Booker hasn't. But still there is potential there. Carlton Fay has also stepped up this season to be a legit scorer. He has averaged double figures and for all accounts has been there go to scorer. Now back to the home court advantage. Drake always struggles away from home. They shoot only 38% on the road, which is horrible, and should run into some trouble against a So Ill defense that isn't putting up the numbers it used to, but still consitently gets the effort. Defense for the most part is effort so if they play hard, and draw off of the fans, the defense should step it up a notch in league play. Drake doesn't seem all right either. They really don't have any good wins on the season. They beat New Mexico on a neutral court, but lost to Vanderbilt in that same tournament. They also got drubbed at Evasville in league play their first time on the road. This is a team that struggles to get road wins even when they are good. They haven't won in Carbondale since 1996 and don't see that starting tonight.