The No. 23 Iowa Hawkeyes (15-3, 4-3 Big 10) will try to prolong their seven-game home winning streak in a matchup against the Illinois Fighting Illini (5-12, 1-5 Big 10) at Carver-Hawkeye Arena. The game is scheduled to get underway at 1 p.m. ET on Sunday, January 20, 2019.
Illinois Fighting Illini at Iowa Hawkeyes ATS Prediction
The last time the Fighting Illini played, they dismantled the Minnesota Golden Gophers, 95-68. The Fighting Illini, who came into the game averaging an offensive rebounding percentage of 29.2, had a phenomenal mark of 41.4 and had an effective field goal percentage of 0.621 (above their season average of 0.495). Illinois received a boost from Giorgi Bezhanishvili, who put up 20 points and eight rebounds.
The Hawkeyes defeated the Penn State Nittany Lions in their last contest, 89-82. The Hawkeyes knocked down 13 of their 18 free throws (72.2 percent) and held the Nittany Lions to an offensive rebounding percentage of 19.4 (below their season average of 31.9). Luka Garza was the top scorer from either team with 22 points on 9-for-17 shooting from the field.
The physical Iowa offense seems poised to dominate from the foul line. The Hawkeyes currently rank first in the NCAA with a free throw attempt (FTA) rate of 0.379, while Illinois ranks 344th in FTA rate allowed (0.341).
After the Hawkeyes won both matchups against the Fighting Illini last season, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. In the last game, Iowa won 96-87. The Hawkeyes knocked down 34 of their 41 free throws (82.9 percent) and had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (50.0 vs. 22.2).
Illinois Fighting Illini at Iowa Hawkeyes Betting Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Iowa, ATS Winner – Iowa, O/U – Over
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Notes
Betting Notes:
Iowa ranks 96th in rebounds per game (37.1) while Illinois ranks 201st in rebounds allowed per game (36.7).
Bettings Trends:
The Fighting Illini’s average margin of victory in their last five games has been 1.0, up from 0.1 for the season.
During their last five games, the Hawkeyes have scored an average of 79.4 points per game (2.7 below their season average) and allowed an average of 75.4 points per game (3.2 above their season average).
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