3* NCAAB SMASH

Ball State vs. SIU Edwardsville, 12/06/2011 20:30 EDT, Score: 76 - 55

Point Spread: +15/-105 SIU Edwardsville

Sportsbook: 5Dimes

Result: Loss

3* NCAAB SMASH on SIU Edwardsville +15
This isn't a favorable spot for Ball State, which is coming off a 23-point win over Tennessee-Martin and will no doubt be looking ahead to Saturday's big showdown with national runner-up and in-state rival Butler. Butler crushed Ball State by 33 points last season, and the Cards will be out for revenge.
SIU Edwardsville will be out for revenge tonight as it looks to atone for last season's 30-point loss to Ball State. Because that was such a lopsided win for the Cards, you can bet SIU Edwardsville won't have their full attention.
Ball State destroyed Tennessee-Martin last game as it shot 51.9% from the field, but don't count on the hot shooting continue. Prior to that game, the Cards averaged 39.9% shooting and hadn't shot better than 46% in any contest.
The Cardinals have been a very poor investment in non-conference action, going 27-55-1 ATS in their last 83 non-conference games.
Also, the Cougars make 8 3's per game and shoot them at a nearly 40% clip. This doesn't bode well for Ball State, which is 12-25 ATS in its last 37 games versus teams who make 8 or more 3 point shots/game. Take the points.