The Illinois Fighting Illini (4-12, 0-5 Big 10) look to snap their five-game losing streak when they clash against the Minnesota Golden Gophers (13-3, 3-2 Big 10) at State Farm Center. The game is scheduled to get underway at 9 p.m. ET on Wednesday, January 16, 2019.
Minnesota Golden Gophers vs. Illinois Fighting Illini Free Prediction
The Golden Gophers come in on a high note after blowing out the Rutgers Scarlet Knights in their last game, 88-70. The Golden Gophers made 20 of their 25 free throws (80.0 percent) and had an effective field goal percentage of 0.586 (above their season average of 0.486). Minnesota received a boost from Jordan Murphy, who put up 15 points and 14 rebounds.
The last time the Fighting Illini were in action, they lost to the No. 2 Michigan Wolverines, 79-69. One of Michigan’s largest strengths was their ability to convert at the free throw line. They were 18-22 (81.8 percent), while the Fighting Illini were just 4-7 (57.1 percent). Ayo Dosunmu had a good game for Illinois, leading both teams in scoring with 23 points on 10-for-16 shooting.
After the Golden Gophers won the lone contest against the Fighting Illini last season, 77-67, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. The Golden Gophers had a much better free throw rate (0.400 vs. 0.139) and had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.500 vs. 0.396).
Contrasting paces will be on display in this contest. Illinois has preferred a fast-paced style of play (65th in possessions per game), while Minnesota has been more half-court-oriented (214th in possessions per game). Additionally, the Golden Gophers could control the offensive glass in this battle as they rank 26th in the NCAA in offensive rebounding percentage at 35.8 percent. The Fighting Illini, meanwhile, rank 293rd in defensive rebounding percentage (68.3 percent).
Minnesota at Illinois Free Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Illinois, ATS Winner – Illinois, O/U – Over
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Notes
Betting Notes:
Minnesota ranks 38th in rebounds per game (39.4) while Illinois ranks 211th (33.6).
The Fighting Illini rank 89th in three pointers attempted per game (24.6) while the Golden Gophers rank 261st (17.7).
Minnesota ranks 45th in blocks per game (4.4) while Illinois ranks 144th (2.6).
The Golden Gophers rank 44th in assists per game (15.9) while the Fighting Illini rank 104th (14.3).
Bettings Trends:
The Golden Gophers’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 9.4, up from 7.0 for the season.
During their last five games, the Fighting Illini have scored an average of 66.8 points per game (6.3 below their season average) and allowed an average of 74.4 points per game (0.3 below their season average).
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