The Nebraska Cornhuskers (6-1) welcome the Illinois Fighting Illini (2-5) to Pinnacle Bank Arena as they try to prolong their five-game home winning streak. The game is scheduled to get underway at 5 p.m. ET on Sunday, December 2, 2018.
Illinois Fighting Illini vs. Nebraska Cornhuskers Free Prediction
In the Fighting Illini’s last matchup, they were beaten by the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, 76-74. Getting to the free throw line was one of Notre Dame’s largest strengths. They made 39 trips to the line, while Illinois went just 15 times. Aaron Jordan was the game’s leading scorer with 23 points on 8-for-13 shooting.
The Cornhuskers won a close one over the Clemson Tigers in their last outing, 68-66. Nebraska’s 14.3 turnover percentage was their biggest strength over Clemson, who had a rate of 15.9. The Cornhuskers’ mark was worse than their season average of 13.9. James Palmer Jr. was the top scorer from either team with 20 points on 8-for-14 shooting from the field.
These two teams split two games last season. The Fighting Illini won the last game 72-66. Illinois’ rebounding was their biggest strength. The Fighting Illini had more offensive rebounds (11 vs. five), defensive rebounds (27 vs. 24) and total rebounds (38 vs. 29).
Based on historical performance heading into this one, ball protection could play a key role in this matchup. Dating back to the 2017-18 season, Nebraska has committed the 30th-fewest miscues in the country (turnover percentage of 16.2 percent), while the ball-hawking defense of Illinois has forced the second-most (opponents’ turnover percentage of 24.2 percent). Additionally, the Fighting Illini rank 41st in offensive rebounding percentage (33.6 percent), while the Cornhuskers rank 327th in defensive rebounding percentage (67.2 percent).
Illinois Fighting Illini at Nebraska Cornhuskers Odds Pick
College Basketball Prediction: SU Winner – Nebraska, ATS Winner – Illinois, O/U – Over
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Notes
Betting Notes (2017-Present):
Nebraska ranks sixth in blocks per game (5.6) while Illinois ranks 273rd (2.2).
The Cornhuskers rank 108th in rebounds per game (36.7) while the Fighting Illini rank 291st (32.9).
Nebraska ranks 23rd in steals allowed per game (5.0) while Illinois ranks 149th (6.2).
The Cornhuskers are 13th in the nation with 17.9 three pointers allowed per game while the Fighting Illini are 18th with 18.4 three pointers allowed per game.
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