The Illinois Fighting Illini (2-7) clash against the UNLV Runnin’ Rebels (4-3) at the State Farm Center. The game gets underway at 2 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 8, 2018.
UNLV Runnin’ Rebels at Illinois Fighting Illini ATS Prediction
The last time the Runnin’ Rebels played, they were topped by the Loyola Marymount Lions, 61-50. Loyola Marymount’s 15.5 turnover percentage was their largest advantage over UNLV, who had a rate of 30.7. Shakur Juiston was UNLV’s leading scorer with 12 points on 5-for-11 shooting.
The Fighting Illini easily got past the Evansville Aces in their last outing, 99-60. The Fighting Illini had a much better turnover percentage (15.4 vs. 29.3) and had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.648 vs. 0.434). With 18 points and six rebounds, Ayo Dosunmu played well for Illinois.
The Runnin’ Rebels won the lone contest against the Fighting Illini last season, 89-82. The Runnin’ Rebels had a much better free throw rate (0.660 vs. 0.164) and had a better turnover percentage (14.4 vs. 17.9).
Illinois could have difficulty getting to the charity stripe in this matchup. Dating back to last season, the Fighting Illini rank 335th in the nation with a free throw attempt (FTA) rate of 0.230, while UNLV ranks 61st in FTA rate allowed (0.195). It could also be an error-filled game for the offense of the Runnin’ Rebels, which ranks 264th in ball security (turnover percentage of 20.1 percent). They’ll be going up against the top-notch defense of the Fighting Illini, which has forced the fourth-most turnovers in the country (24.2 percent).
UNLV Runnin’ Rebels vs. Illinois Fighting Illini Betting Pick
College Basketball Prediction: SU Winner – Illinois, ATS Winner – Illinois, O/U – Under
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Notes
Betting Notes (2017-Present):
UNLV ranks 14th in rebounds per game (40.6) while Illinois ranks 285th (32.9).
The Fighting Illini rank 70th in three pointers attempted per game (22.6) while the Runnin’ Rebels rank 292nd (17.3).
UNLV ranks 38th in blocks per game (4.5) while Illinois ranks 250th (2.1).
The Fighting Illini rank 21st in steals per game (7.6) while the Runnin’ Rebels rank 206th in steals allowed per game (6.9).
UNLV ranks 50th in assists per game (15.6) while Illinois ranks 136th in assists allowed per game (12.8).
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