Basketball season is off to an exciting start as the Charleston Cougars square off against the S. Illinois Salukis. With a win, Charleston could kick off their season on a high note and move their record over .500. At halftime, they hold a narrow lead of 45-42 over S. Illinois, but both teams still have plenty of game to play.

If Charleston keeps up their momentum, they’ll open the season with a win. However, S. Illinois isn’t far behind and will need a quick turnaround to stay in the game.

Who’s Playing

• Matchup: Charleston Cougars vs. S. Illinois Salukis
• Current Records: Charleston 0-0, S. Illinois 0-0

How to Watch

• When: Monday, November 4, 2024, at 12 p.m. ET
• Where: Sanford Pentagon, Sioux Falls, South Dakota
• TV: Available on YouTube
• Follow: CBS Sports App for real-time updates
• Online Streaming: Select college basketball games, including this one, are streaming on FuboTV (try for free; regional restrictions may apply).
• Tickets: $12.00 for in-person viewing at Sanford Pentagon

What to Know

The Charleston Cougars start the season on the road, facing S. Illinois in Sioux Falls. This matchup pits Charleston’s rebounding strength against an S. Illinois team that struggled slightly in that area last season. Charleston dominated the boards last season with an average of 39.8 rebounds per game, while S. Illinois managed just 32.7.

Charleston finished the 2023-24 season with an impressive 24-7 record and a solid reputation against the spread, going 14-14-2 overall. S. Illinois, while also having a winning season at 19-12, struggled as underdogs with a 3-9 record in that position. Charleston, now a 3.5-point favorite, will look to take advantage of the spread as they were a stellar 20-4 when favored last year.

Odds

Charleston is favored by 3.5 points, with an over/under of 146.5 points. The line initially opened with Charleston as a 1.5-point favorite but has since shifted in their favor.