The Illinois Fighting Illini (8-4) clash with the New Mexico State Aggies (8-2) at United Center. The game begins at 8 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 16, 2017.
New Mexico State Aggies vs. Illinois Fighting Illini ATS Prediction
In the Aggies’ last contest, they blew out the Eastern New Mexico Greyhounds, 84-62. The Aggies had a much better free throw rate (0.241 vs. 0.123) and had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.657 vs. 0.482). New Mexico State was led by Jemerrio Jones, who finished with 10 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists. This gave him his zeroth triple-double of the season.
The Fighting Illini easily got past the Longwood Lancers in their last matchup, 92-45. The Fighting Illini had a turnover percentage of 11.7 (better than their season average of 17.2) and had an offensive rebounding percentage of 64.3 (above their season average of 36.2). Aaron Jordan was the top scorer from either team with 22 points on 8-for-15 shooting.
Contrasting tempos will be on display in this showdown. Illinois has preferred an up-tempo style of play (24th in possessions per game), while New Mexico State has been more half-court-oriented (236th in possessions per game).
New Mexico State holds records of 8-2 straight up (SU) and 1-1 against the spread (ATS). Vegas tends to place the total high when the Aggies are involved, as 100.0 percent of their games have ended under the total.
Meanwhile, Illinois owns records of 8-4 SU and 5-4 ATS. Fighting Illini games also tend to finish under the total (66.7 percent).
New Mexico State Aggies vs. Illinois Fighting Illini Odds Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Illinois, ATS Winner – Illinois, O/U – Over
Notes
Betting Notes:
Illinois ranks 25th in steals per game (8.3) while New Mexico State ranks 195th (5.1).
The Aggies rank fourth in blocks allowed per game (1.0) while the Fighting Illini rank 125th (3.6).
New Mexico State ranks 36th in rebounds per game (40.8) while Illinois ranks 85th (37.8).
The Fighting Illini rank 13th in three pointers allowed per game (16.8) while the Aggies rank 57th (22.0).
New Mexico State ranks 10th in assists allowed per game (9.1) while Illinois ranks 21st (10.8).
Bettings Trends:
The Aggies’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 10.4, up from 10.1 for the season.
During their last five games, the Fighting Illini have scored an average of 79.4 points per game (4.3 below their season average) and allowed an average of 71.0 points per game (0.5 above their season average).
