The Illinois Fighting Illini (3-7) square off with the East Tennessee State Buccaneers (8-3) at the State Farm Center. The game is scheduled to begin at 2 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 15, 2018.
East Tennessee State Buccaneers vs. Illinois Fighting Illini Free Prediction
The last time the Buccaneers played, they were topped by the Georgia State Panthers, 74-68. One of Georgia State’s biggest strengths was getting to the free throw line. They made 29 trips to the line, while East Tennessee State went 18 times. Isaiah Tisdale led East Tennessee State in scoring with 19 points on 6-for-11 shooting.
The Fighting Illini won big over the Evansville Aces in their last outing, 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.
Jeromy Rodriguez has averaged 0 points over the last five games for East Tennessee State.
Illinois might have trouble finding the bottom of the net as they go head-to-head against one of the NCAA’s best defenses. East Tennessee State ranks 47th in defensive efficiency while the Fighting Illini rank 170th in offensive efficiency. Additionally, the Buccaneers rank 54th in offensive rebounding percentage (41.7 percent), while the Fighting Illini rank 302nd in defensive rebounding percentage (66.2 percent).
East Tennessee State Buccaneers at Illinois Fighting Illini ATS Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Illinois, ATS Winner – Illinois, O/U – Over
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Notes
Betting Notes:
East Tennessee State ranks 57th in rebounds per game (43.4) while Illinois ranks 243rd (33.2).
The Buccaneers rank 50th in blocks per game (3.6) while the Fighting Illini rank 191st (2.4).
Illinois ranks 24th in three pointers allowed per game (19.1) while East Tennessee State ranks 163rd (22.9).
The Buccaneers average 7.1 steals per game, which ranks 44th in the country. The Fighting Illini rank 116th in steals allowed per game (5.9).
East Tennessee State ranks 49th in assists allowed per game (11.8) while Illinois ranks 105th (12.3).
Bettings Trends:
The Buccaneers’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 16.0, up from 15.0 for the season.
During their last five games, the Fighting Illini have scored an average of 79.8 points per game (3.5 above their season average) and allowed an average of 79.8 points per game (3.0 above their season average).
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