It will be a battle between Big 10 opponents when the Minnesota Golden Gophers (15-5, 5-4 Big 10) welcome the Illinois Fighting Illini (6-14, 2-7 Big 10) to Williams Arena. The game gets underway at 9 p.m. ET on Wednesday, January 30, 2019.
Illinois Fighting Illini vs. Minnesota Golden Gophers ATS Prediction
The Fighting Illini come in on a high note after defeating the No. 13 Maryland Terrapins in their last game, 78-67. Illinois had a turnover percentage of 11.6 (better than their season average of 16.8). Maryland, on the other hand, did an excellent job of converting from the free throw line (21-24; 87.5 percent). Illinois was led by Ayo Dosunmu, who was the game’s high scorer with 20 points on 6-for-11 shooting.
The last time the Golden Gophers were in action, they beat the No. 19 Iowa Hawkeyes, 92-87. The Golden Gophers had a ridiculous free throw rate of 0.375 (above their season average of 0.308) and had a turnover percentage of 11.4 (better than their season average of 15.9). With 23 points, 11 rebounds and six assists, Jordan Murphy played well for Minnesota.
Minnesota could own the offensive glass in this contest. The Golden Gophers rank 35th in offensive rebounding percentage (34.5 percent), while Illinois ranks 285th in defensive rebounding percentage (69.2 percent).
This will be the second game of the season between these two squads. Giorgi Bezhanishvili had 20 points and eight rebounds in the first game, in which the Fighting Illini beat the Golden Gophers 95-68. The Fighting Illini had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (41.4 vs. 25.0) and had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.621 vs. 0.466).
Illinois Fighting Illini at Minnesota Golden Gophers Odds Pick
Free Pick: SU Winner – Minnesota, ATS Winner – Minnesota, O/U – Over
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Notes
Betting Notes:
Minnesota ranks 63rd in rebounds per game (38.0) while Illinois ranks 248th (33.1).
The Fighting Illini rank 96th in three pointers attempted per game (24.3) while the Golden Gophers rank 275th (17.2).
Illinois ranks 29th in steals per game (8.2) while Minnesota ranks 175th (5.5).
The Golden Gophers rank 46th in blocks per game (4.3) while the Fighting Illini rank 170th (2.3).
Minnesota ranks 44th in assists per game (15.6) while Illinois ranks 114th in assists allowed per game (12.9).
Bettings Trends:
The Fighting Illini’s average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 1.6, up from 1.1 for the season.
During their last five games, the Golden Gophers have scored an average of 74.0 points per game (0.3 below their season average) and allowed an average of 75.0 points per game (5.1 above their season average).
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