It will be a battle between Big 10 opponents when the Illinois Fighting Illini (10-7, 0-4 Big 10) welcome the Iowa Hawkeyes (9-9, 0-5 Big 10) to State Farm Center. The game starts at 8 p.m. ET on Thursday, January 11, 2018.
Illinois is a 5.5-point favorite on the opening line, while the Over/Under (O/U) for the game opened at 154.5 points.
Iowa Hawkeyes vs. Illinois Fighting Illini Betting Prediction
In the Hawkeyes’ last outing, they were thoroughly outplayed by the Maryland Terrapins, 91-73. One of Maryland’s biggest strengths was getting to the charity stripe. They made 25 trips to the line, while Iowa went just 10 times. Isaiah Moss was the top scorer from either team with 25 points on 10-for-16 shooting.
The Fighting Illini lost to the Michigan Wolverines in their last game, 79-69. Michigan’s 0.373 free throw rate was their biggest advantage over Illinois, who had a rate of 0.214. The Wolverines’ mark was above their season average of 0.155, while the Fighting Illini’s was below their season average of 0.265. Kipper Nichols put together a solid performance for Illinois, leading both teams in scoring with 17 points on 6-for-11 shooting.
Illinois appears to have an edge on the offensive glass in this contest. The Fighting Illini rank eighth in offensive rebounding percentage (37.9 percent), while Iowa ranks 133rd in defensive rebounding percentage (72.3 percent).
Iowa holds records of 9-9 straight up (SU) and 5-7-2 against the spread (ATS). Of the Hawkeyes’ 14 games that accepted bets, nine have finished over the projected point total.
Meanwhile, Illinois owns records of 10-7 SU and 7-6 ATS. Unlike Iowa, Fighting Illini games have a tendency to go under the projected point total (69.2 percent).
After the Fighting Illini won both contests against the Hawkeyes last season, these teams will meet for the first time this year. In the most recent matchup, Illinois won 70-66. Illinois had a better effective field goal percentage (0.553 vs. 0.454). Iowa, meanwhile, did a terrific job of making free throws (17-22; 77.3 percent).
Iowa Hawkeyes vs. Illinois Fighting Illini Free Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Illinois, ATS Winner – Illinois, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
On the road, Iowa is 3-5-1 ATS with 6 overs and 3 unders.
Illinois is 4-2 ATS at home with 4 unders and 2 overs.
Illinois ranks 46th in assists allowed per game (11.5) while Iowa ranks 182nd (14.7).
The Hawkeyes rank 33rd in blocks per game (4.9) while the Fighting Illini rank 166th (2.2).
Illinois ranks 34th in steals per game (8.0) while Iowa ranks 162nd (5.4).
The Fighting Illini rank 23rd in three pointers allowed per game (17.9) while the Hawkeyes rank 150th (22.4).
Iowa ranks 29th in rebounds per game (40.0) while Illinois ranks 97th (37.4).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Iowa is 2-3 ATS with 5 overs.
Illinois is 2-2 ATS with 3 unders and 1 over over their last five games.
The Hawkeyes have been outscored by an average of 1.2 points in their last five games. On the season, Iowa has defeated opponents by an average of 5.7 points.
During their last five games, the Fighting Illini have scored an average of 67.4 points per game (11.5 below their season average) and allowed an average of 70.4 points per game (0.1 below their season average).
