The Xavier Musketeers (2-3) go head-to-head against the Illinois Fighting Illini (1-3) in the Maui Invitational at Lahaina Civic Center. The game can be seen on ESPNU at 9 p.m. ET on Wednesday, November 21, 2018.
Xavier Musketeers vs. Illinois Fighting Illini Free Prediction
The Musketeers are trying to rebound after their 79-74 loss to the San Diego State Aztecs in their last contest. Making free throws was one of San Diego State’s largest strengths. They were 16-20 (80.0 percent), while the Musketeers were just 10-15 (66.7 percent). Quentin Goodin led Xavier in scoring with 20 points on 7-for-11 shooting.
The last time the Fighting Illini took the court, they were beaten by the Iowa State Cyclones, 84-68. Iowa State made good use of their 29 trips to the free throw line, making 24 of them (82.8 percent). Illinois, meanwhile, was 10-14 (71.4 percent). Trent Frazier put together a good game for Illinois, leading the team in scoring with 15 points on 6-for-17 shooting.
Expect this one to be a clinic on boxing out as two of the nation’s top rebounding teams clash. The Fighting Illini rank 44th in offensive rebounding percentage (33.6 percent), while Xavier ranks 16th in defensive rebounding percentage (76.4 percent) since last season. Additionally, the Musketeers’ 28th-ranked offense (effective field goal percentage of 0.555) will square off against the Fighting Illini’s 312th-ranked defense (effective field goal percentage allowed of 0.534).
Xavier Musketeers vs. Illinois Fighting Illini Free Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Illinois, O/U – Over
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Notes
Betting Notes (2017-Present):
Illinois ranks 21st in three pointers allowed per game (18.5) while Xavier ranks 310th (26.0).
The Musketeers rank 44th in rebounds per game (38.5) while the Fighting Illini rank 293rd (32.8).
Illinois averages 7.7 steals per game, which ranks 25th in the country. Xavier ranks 194th in steals allowed per game (6.6).
The Musketeers rank 26th in assists per game (16.3) while the Fighting Illini rank 137th (14.0).
Xavier ranks 168th in blocks per game (3.2) while Illinois ranks 272nd (2.2).
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