The Illinois Fighting Illini (4-7) square off against the Missouri Tigers (7-3) at Enterprise Center. The game gets underway at 8 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 22, 2018.
Missouri Tigers vs. Illinois Fighting Illini Free Prediction
The last time the Tigers played, they beat the Central Arkansas Bears, 68-55. The Tigers had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (26.2 vs. 17.1) and had a better turnover percentage (13.6 vs. 16.8). With 19 points on 6-for-9 shooting, Mark Smith was the top scorer from either team.
The Fighting Illini won big over 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 played well.
After the Fighting Illini won the lone contest against the Tigers last season, 70-64, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. Illinois had a much better turnover percentage (12.4 vs. 24.6). Missouri, meanwhile, had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (44.4 vs. 34.2).
Illinois might have difficulty finding the bottom of the net as they go head-to-head against one of the nation’s best defenses. Missouri ranks 81st in defensive efficiency while the Fighting Illini rank 198th in offensive efficiency. Ball protection could be troublesome for the Tigers. They rank 268th at avoiding errors (turnover percentage of 20.6 percent), while the Fighting Illini force the 10th-most turnovers in the nation (opponents’ turnover percentage of 25.2 percent).
Missouri vs. Illinois Free Pick
Basketball Prediction: SU Winner – Illinois, O/U – Over
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Notes
Betting Notes:
Missouri ranks 44th in rebounds allowed per game (32.0) while Illinois ranks 175th (36.9).
The Fighting Illini rank 40th in steals per game (7.9) while the Tigers rank 152nd (5.4).
Missouri ranks 40th in blocks allowed per game (2.7) while Illinois ranks 108th (3.7).
The Fighting Illini rank 37th in three pointers allowed per game (19.4) while the Tigers rank 90th (21.2).
Illinois ranks 65th in assists per game (15.3) while Missouri ranks 69th in assists allowed per game (11.9).
Bettings Trends:
The Tigers have been outscored by an average of 2.0 points in their last five games. On the season, Missouri has defeated opponents by an average of 4.1 points.
During their last five games, the Fighting Illini have scored an average of 79.8 points per game (3.8 above their season average) and allowed an average of 79.8 points per game (5.0 above their season average).
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