The Illinois Fighting Illini and Evansville Aces open the new season at State Farm Center. The game is scheduled to start at 8 p.m. ET on Thursday, November 8, 2018.
Evansville Aces at Illinois Fighting Illini Free Prediction
Last season, Illinois did not reach the tournament following a 14-18 regular season campaign. Evansville also failed to make the tournament following a 17-15 regular season campaign.
The battle on the backboards could prove decisive, pitting strength against strength. The Fighting Illini ranked 30th in offensive rebounding percentage (34.2 percent), while Evansville ranked 53rd in defensive rebounding percentage (74.4 percent) last season. Ball protection could be troublesome for the Aces. They ranked 300th at avoiding errors (turnover percentage of 20.6 percent), while the Fighting Illini forced the second-most turnovers in the NCAA (opponents’ turnover percentage of 23.9 percent).
The Aces were 17-15 straight up (SU) last season, but were just 13-16 against the spread (ATS). Of Evansville’s 29 games that accepted bets last year, 17 finished over the projected point total.
The Fighting Illini, meanwhile, were 14-18 SU and 15-17-1 ATS last season. Games featuring Illinois had a tendency to go under the projected point total (66.7 percent).
Evansville Aces vs. Illinois Fighting Illini Odds Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Evansville, ATS Winner – Evansville, O/U – Under
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Notes
Betting Notes (2017-Present):
Illinois averages 7.5 steals per game, which ranks 34th in the NCAA. Evansville ranks 226th in steals allowed per game (7.2).
The Fighting Illini rank 19th in three pointers allowed per game (18.2) while the Aces rank 204th (22.8).
Evansville ranks 189th in blocks per game (2.9) while Illinois ranks 254th (2.2).
The Aces rank 37th in rebounds allowed per game (32.0) while the Fighting Illini rank 82nd (33.2).
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