The No. 2 Michigan Wolverines (15-0, 4-0 Big 10) try to stay unbeaten when they square off against the Illinois Fighting Illini (4-11, 0-4 Big 10) at State Farm Center. The game gets underway at 8 p.m. ET on Thursday, January 10, 2019.
Michigan Wolverines vs. Illinois Fighting Illini Free Prediction
In the Wolverines’ last contest, they thoroughly outplayed the Norfolk State Spartans, 63-44. The Wolverines had a much better free throw rate (0.217 vs. 0.085) and had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (34.7 vs. 18.6). With 13 points on 5-for-11 shooting, Jon Teske was the top scorer from either team.
The Fighting Illini had no trouble getting past the Evansville Aces in their last matchup, 99-60. The Fighting Illini had a much better turnover percentage (15.4 vs. 29.3) and had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.648 vs. 0.434). With 18 points and six rebounds, Illinois’ Ayo Dosunmu had a good game.
After the Wolverines won the only game against the Fighting Illini last season, 79-69, these teams will go head-to-head for the first time this year. The Wolverines knocked down 19 of their 24 free throws (79.2 percent) and had a better effective field goal percentage (0.588 vs. 0.509).
The inefficient offense of Illinois will go head-to-head against the elite defense of Michigan. The Fighting Illini currently rank 268th in offensive efficiency, while the Wolverines are fourth in defensive efficiency. The Wolverines figure to have the advantage on that end of the court. Furthermore, the Wolverines commit the fifth-fewest errors in the nation (turnover percentage of 14.2 percent), while the disruptive defense of the Fighting Illini causes the 11th-most (opponents’ turnover percentage of 24.8 percent).
Michigan Wolverines vs. Illinois Fighting Illini Odds Pick
Free College Basketball Pick: SU Winner – Michigan, ATS Winner – Michigan, O/U – Under
Click Here to Start Betting Today!
Notes
Betting Notes:
Michigan ranks 30th in blocks allowed per game (2.5) while Illinois ranks 122nd (3.8).
The Wolverines rank first in steals allowed per game (3.1) while the Fighting Illini rank 86th (6.3).
Michigan ranks fifth in assists allowed per game (9.2) while Illinois ranks 79th (12.1).
The Wolverines average 36.3 rebounds per game, which ranks 134th in the nation. The Fighting Illini rank 203rd in rebounds allowed per game (37.3).
Michigan allows the fewest three pointers per game (16.0) while Illinois ranks 23rd (18.7).
Bettings Trends:
The Wolverines’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 21.4, up from 17.3 for the season.
During their last five games, the Fighting Illini have scored an average of 79.8 points per game (6.4 above their season average) and allowed an average of 79.8 points per game (5.4 above their season average).
+++++
