It will be a battle between Big 10 opponents when the Nebraska Cornhuskers (12-7, 3-3 Big 10) welcome the Illinois Fighting Illini (10-8, 0-5 Big 10) to Pinnacle Bank Arena. The game begins at 9 p.m. ET on Monday, January 15, 2018.
Nebraska is a 5-point favorite on the opening line, while the Over/Under (O/U) for the game opened at 144.5 points.
Illinois Fighting Illini vs. Nebraska Cornhuskers Betting Prediction
The Fighting Illini are hoping for a better outcome after their 104-97 loss to the Iowa Hawkeyes in their last game. Iowa was effective at getting to and converting from the charity stripe. The Hawkeyes made 33 of their 40 free throws (82.5 percent), while the Fighting Illini were 11-14 (78.6 percent). Trent Frazier was Illinois’ high scorer with 27 points on 10-for-20 shooting.
In the Cornhuskers’ last game, they lost a close one to the Penn State Nittany Lions, 76-74. Penn State’s 35.9 offensive rebounding percentage was their biggest strength over Nebraska, who had a mark of 24.4. The Nittany Lions’ mark was above their season average of 32.9, while the Cornhuskers’ was below their season average of 30.6. Nebraska’s Isaac Copeland had a good performance, leading the team in scoring with 21 points on 7-for-13 shooting.
Ball protection could play a significant role in this showdown. Nebraska commits the 36th-fewest miscues in the nation (turnover percentage of 16.5 percent), while the ball-hawking defense of Illinois forces the fifth-most (opponents’ turnover percentage of 25.0 percent). Furthermore, the Fighting Illini could control the offensive glass in this battle as they rank eighth in the NCAA in offensive rebounding percentage at 37.4 percent. The Cornhuskers, meanwhile, rank 328th in defensive rebounding percentage (65.9 percent).
Illinois comes into the game with records of 10-8 straight up (SU) and 7-7 against the spread (ATS). Vegas is known to set the total high when the Fighting Illini are involved, as 64.3 percent of their games have finished under the projected point total.
Meanwhile, Nebraska is 12-7 SU and 12-5 ATS. Games featuring the Cornhuskers also have typically finished under the O/U total (64.7 percent).
Copeland has averaged 13.0 points, 5.2 rebounds and 2.0 blocks over the last five games for Nebraska.
After the Fighting Illini won the sole game against the Cornhuskers last season, 73-57, these teams will go head-to-head for the first time this year. Illinois made 13 of its 26 three pointers (50.0 percent). Nebraska, on the other hand, had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (29.7 vs. 17.9).
Illinois Fighting Illini vs. Nebraska Cornhuskers Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Illinois, ATS Winner – Illinois, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
Illinois is 3-4 ATS on the road with 5 unders and 2 overs.
Nebraska is 7-1 ATS at home with 5 unders and 3 overs.
Nebraska ranks 12th in blocks per game (5.9) while Illinois ranks 176th (2.2).
The Fighting Illini rank 81st in rebounds allowed per game (33.6) while the Cornhuskers rank 245th (39.4).
Nebraska ranks 32nd in steals allowed per game (5.2) while Illinois ranks 115th (6.6).
The Fighting Illini rank 43rd in assists allowed per game (11.6) while the Cornhuskers rank 82nd (12.6).
Illinois ranks 24th in three pointers allowed per game (18.3) while Nebraska ranks 29th (18.5).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Illinois is 2-2 ATS with 2 overs and 2 unders.
Nebraska is 4-0 ATS with 3 unders and 1 over over their last five games.
The Fighting Illini have been outscored by an average of 3.4 points in their last five games. For the season, Illinois has defeated opponents by an average of 7.6 points.
During their last five games, the Cornhuskers have scored an average of 68.0 points per game (6.0 below their season average) and allowed an average of 65.2 points per game (5.5 below their season average).
