The Northwestern Wildcats (9-5, 0-3 Big 10) welcome the Illinois Fighting Illini (4-10, 0-3 Big 10) to Welsh-Ryan Arena as they attempt to lengthen their five-game home winning streak. The game starts at 1 p.m. ET on Sunday, January 6, 2019.
Illinois Fighting Illini at Northwestern Wildcats Free Prediction
The last time the Fighting Illini played, they blew out 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). Illinois received a boost from Ayo Dosunmu, who contributed 18 points and six rebounds.
The Wildcats won big over the New Orleans Privateers in their last outing, 82-52. The Wildcats had a much better turnover percentage (11.2 vs. 20.4) and had a much better free throw rate (0.350 vs. 0.204). With 18 points, six rebounds and five assists, Vic Law had a solid game for Northwestern.
After the Wildcats won the lone contest against the Fighting Illini last season, 72-68, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. The Wildcats’ turnover percentage was their biggest advantage over the Fighting Illini. Northwestern had a rate of 19.9, while Illinois posted a mark of 22.8.
Law and Dererk Pardon have played at a high level over the last five games for Northwestern. Law has averaged 0 points per game. Not to be outdone, Pardon has put up 0 points a game during that span.
Northwestern should have the edge on the defensive side of the ball. The Wildcats currently rank 77th in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.473), while Illinois is 234th in effective field goal percentage (0.499).
Illinois at Northwestern Odds Pick
Free Prediction: SU Winner – Northwestern, ATS Winner – Illinois, O/U – Over
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Notes
Betting Notes:
Northwestern ranks 41st in blocks per game (4.5) while Illinois ranks 155th (2.3).
The Wildcats rank 46th in assists per game (16.1) while the Fighting Illini rank 101st (14.5).
Illinois averages 7.7 steals per game, which ranks 51st in the NCAA. Northwestern ranks 70th in steals allowed per game (5.9).
The Wildcats are fourth in the NCAA with 16.8 three pointers allowed per game while the Fighting Illini are 18th with 18.6 three pointers allowed per game.
Northwestern ranks 199th in rebounds per game (34.4) while Illinois ranks 208th in rebounds allowed per game (37.6).
Bettings Trends:
The Fighting Illini have scored an equal number of points as their opponents. On the season, Illinois has been defeated by an average of 0.9 points.
During their last five games, the Wildcats have scored an average of 75.4 points per game (3.2 above their season average) and allowed an average of 61.8 points per game (1.2 below their season average).
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