The Notre Dame Fighting Irish (5-1) meet the Illinois Fighting Illini (2-4) at Purcell Pavilion at the Joyce Center. The game is scheduled to get underway at 7 p.m. ET on Tuesday, November 27, 2018.
Illinois Fighting Illini at Notre Dame Fighting Irish Free Prediction
The last time the Fighting Illini played, they thoroughly outplayed the Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils, 86-67. The Fighting Illini, who came into the game averaging an offensive rebounding percentage of 27.6, had an extraordinary mark of 39.4 and had an effective field goal percentage of 0.641 (above their season average of 0.531). Illinois received a boost from Ayo Dosunmu, who contributed six points, nine rebounds and nine assists.
The Fighting Irish dismantled the DePaul Blue Demons in their last matchup, 95-70. The Fighting Irish made 16 of their 21 free throws (76.2 percent) and had an effective field goal percentage of 0.658 (above their season average of 0.449). Rex Pflueger was the game’s high scorer with 20 points on 6-for-7 shooting from the field.
Based on historical performance heading into this one, ball protection could play an integral role in this meeting. Since the 2017-18 season, Notre Dame has committed the seventh-fewest miscues in the NCAA (turnover percentage of 14.6 percent), while the pesky defense of Illinois has forced the second-most (opponents’ turnover percentage of 24.2 percent).
Illinois Fighting Illini at Notre Dame Fighting Irish Pick
Free Prediction: SU Winner – Notre Dame, ATS Winner – Illinois, O/U – Under
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Notes
Betting Notes (2017-Present):
Notre Dame ranks 80th in rebounds per game (37.4) while Illinois ranks 288th (32.8).
The Fighting Illini rank 19th in three pointers allowed per game (18.4) while the Fighting Irish rank 218th (22.9).
Notre Dame ranks 92nd in blocks per game (3.9) while Illinois ranks 266th (2.2).
The Fighting Illini rank 29th in steals per game (7.6) while the Fighting Irish rank 201st (5.8).
Illinois ranks 114th in assists per game (14.4) while Notre Dame ranks 190th in assists allowed per game (13.7).
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