The No. 3 Gonzaga Bulldogs (3-0) face off against the Illinois Fighting Illini (1-1) in the Maui Invitational at Lahaina Civic Center. The game can be seen on ESPN2 at 11:30 p.m. ET on Monday, November 19, 2018.
Gonzaga Bulldogs vs. Illinois Fighting Illini Betting Prediction
The Bulldogs come in on a high note after dismantling the Texas A&M Aggies in their last contest, 94-71. The Bulldogs had a much better free throw rate (0.354 vs. 0.185) and had a better turnover percentage (12.2 vs. 16.0). Gonzaga rallied around Brandon Clarke, who finished with 14 points and 11 rebounds.
In the Fighting Illini’s last matchup, they lost to the Georgetown Hoyas, 88-80. Georgetown’s 40.7 offensive rebounding percentage was their largest advantage over Illinois, who had a rate of 26.3. Ayo Dosunmu had a solid game for Illinois, leading both teams in scoring with 25 points on 9-for-15 shooting.
Expect this one to be a clinic on boxing out as two of the NCAA’s top rebounding teams battle. The Fighting Illini rank 39th in offensive rebounding percentage (33.8 percent), while Gonzaga ranks 20th in defensive rebounding percentage (76.4 percent) dating back to the 2017-18 season. Also, the Bulldogs rank 10th in effective field goal percentage (0.572), whereas the suspect defense of the Fighting Illini ranks 297th with an effective field goal percentage allowed of 0.532.
Gonzaga vs. Illinois Free Pick
College Basketball Prediction: SU Winner – Gonzaga, ATS Winner – Gonzaga, O/U – Under
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Notes
Betting Notes (2017-Present):
Gonzaga ranks 12th in rebounds per game (40.3) while Illinois ranks 284th (32.9).
The Bulldogs rank 57th in blocks allowed per game (2.8) while the Fighting Illini rank 255th (4.6).
Gonzaga ranks 35th in steals allowed per game (5.2) while Illinois ranks 173rd (6.3).
The Fighting Illini rank 20th in three pointers allowed per game (18.4) while the Bulldogs rank 113th (21.0).
Gonzaga ranks 47th in assists per game (15.7) while Illinois ranks 124th (14.1).
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