It will be a battle between Big 10 opponents when the Illinois Fighting Illini (8-15, 4-8 Big 10) welcome the Rutgers Scarlet Knights (11-11, 4-8 Big 10) to the State Farm Center. The game is scheduled to begin at 4 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 9, 2019.
Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Illinois Fighting Illini Free Prediction
In the Scarlet Knights’ last game, they were topped by the No. 7 Michigan Wolverines, 77-65. Michigan’s turnover percentage was their biggest advantage over Rutgers. The Wolverines had a rate of 9.7 (better than their season average of 12.8), while the Scarlet Knights posted a mark of 12.2. Eugene Omoruyi was Rutgers’ high scorer with 21 points on 8-for-17 shooting.
The Fighting Illini defeated the No. 9 Michigan State Spartans in their last matchup, 79-74. Illinois forced the Spartans into a turnover percentage of 30.8 (above their season average of 16.0). Michigan State, on the other hand, did an excellent job of making free throws (23-25; 92.0 percent). Ayo Dosunmu was the top scorer from either team with 24 points on 8-for-14 shooting from the field.
Illinois could have trouble getting to the charity stripe in this showdown. The Fighting Illini currently rank 304th in the nation with a free throw attempt (FTA) rate of 0.194, while Rutgers ranks 44th in FTA rate allowed (0.188). Moreover, the Scarlet Knights rank 41st in offensive rebounding percentage (34.4 percent), while the Fighting Illini rank 311th in defensive rebounding percentage (68.0 percent).
After the Fighting Illini won both matchups against the Scarlet Knights last season, these teams will clash for the first time this year. In the most recent contest, Illinois won 75-62. The Fighting Illini had a much better turnover percentage (15.3 vs. 21.7) and had a better effective field goal percentage (0.559 vs. 0.466).
Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Illinois Fighting Illini Pick
College Basketball Prediction: SU Winner – Illinois, ATS Winner – Rutgers, O/U – Over
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Notes
Betting Notes:
Rutgers ranks 30th in rebounds per game (39.4) while Illinois ranks 246th (32.7).
The Scarlet Knights rank 47th in blocks per game (4.2) while the Fighting Illini rank 180th (2.3).
Illinois ranks 20th in three pointers allowed per game (18.6) while Rutgers ranks 148th (22.5).
The Fighting Illini average 8.0 steals per game, which ranks 29th in the nation. The Scarlet Knights rank 131st in steals allowed per game (6.6).
Bettings Trends:
The Scarlet Knights’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 1.4, up from 0.3 for the season.
During their last five games, the Fighting Illini have scored an average of 72.6 points per game (1.3 below their season average) and allowed an average of 72.6 points per game (2.2 below their season average).
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