The Illinois Fighting Illini (2-6, 0-1 Big 10) take on the No. 19 Ohio State Buckeyes (7-1, 1-0 Big 10) at United Center. The game starts at 7 p.m. ET on Wednesday, December 5, 2018.
Ohio State Buckeyes vs. Illinois Fighting Illini ATS Prediction
The Buckeyes will be hoping for similar success after beating the Cincinnati Bearcats in their last matchup, 64-56. Ohio State was 8-20 on three pointers (40.0 percent). Cincinnati, on the other hand, was 6-26 (23.1 percent). With 15 points on 5-for-9 shooting, Kaleb Wesson led Ohio State in scoring.
The last time the Fighting Illini took the court, they easily got past the Evansville Aces, 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.
The Buckeyes won the only game against the Fighting Illini last season, 75-67. The Buckeyes had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (45.2 vs. 13.9) and had a much better free throw rate (0.520 vs. 0.211).
The offense of Illinois will battle against the stingy defense of Ohio State. Dating back to the 2017-18 season, the Fighting Illini rank 142nd in offensive efficiency, while the Buckeyes are 31st in defensive efficiency. The Buckeyes should have the edge on that end of the court.
Ohio State Buckeyes vs. Illinois Fighting Illini Betting Pick
Basketball Prediction: SU Winner – Ohio State, ATS Winner – Ohio State, O/U – Over
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Notes
Betting Notes (2017-Present):
Ohio State ranks 38th in blocks allowed per game (2.7) while Illinois ranks 241st (4.5).
The Fighting Illini rank 17th in three pointers allowed per game (18.3) while the Buckeyes rank 200th (22.5).
Ohio State ranks 120th in rebounds per game (36.6) while Illinois ranks 300th (32.9).
The Buckeyes rank 12th in steals allowed per game (4.7) while the Illinois ranks 164th (6.2).
Ohio State ranks 38th in assists allowed per game (11.3) while Illinois ranks 125th (12.8).
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