It will be a showdown between two outstanding offenses when the Illinois Fighting Illini (6-3, 0-1 Big 10) meet the fifth-ranked Michigan Wolverines (8-1, 1-0 Big 10) at State Farm Center. The game is scheduled to start at 9 p.m. ET on Wednesday, December 11, 2019.
Michigan Wolverines vs. Illinois Fighting Illini Betting Odds
In their last matchup, the Fighting Illini lost a winnable game to the third-ranked Maryland Terrapins, 59-58, while the Wolverines defeated the Iowa Hawkeyes, 103-91.
Michigan dominated nearly every stat category in the game. They had a fantastic free throw rate of 0.500 (above their season average of 0.149) and an effective field goal percentage of 0.638 (above their season average of 0.574). For those same stats, Iowa was 0.243 and 0.493, respectively. Illinois, meanwhile, had a better free throw rate (0.196 vs. 0.143). Illinois’ Andres Feliz had a good game, recording 11 points and five rebounds. Michigan, meanwhile, received a boost from Zavier Simpson, who contributed 16 points, seven assists and six rebounds.
The Wolverines won the only game between these two teams last season, 79-69. One of Michigan’s biggest strengths was their ability to convert at the free throw line. They were 18-22 (81.8 percent), while the Fighting Illini were just 4-7 (57.1 percent).
It might turn into a high-scoring affair as two of the country’s best offenses battle. Illinois ranks 11th with 105.2 points per 100 possessions and Michigan is 32nd (108.9) dating back to the 2018-19 season. Moreover, put-back points could be few and far between for the Wolverines. They rank 277th in the country in offensive rebounding percentage at 24.7 percent, while the Fighting Illini have been 32nd-best on the defensive glass (defensive rebounding percentage of 70.2 percent).
Michigan vs. Illinois Betting Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Illinois, ATS Winner – Illinois, O/U – Over
Betting Notes (2018-Present):
- Michigan ranks fourth in three pointers allowed per game (16.8) while Illinois ranks 186th (20.5).
- The Wolverines average 14.4 assists per game, which ranks 14th in the nation. The Fighting Illini rank 83rd in assists allowed per game (13.3).
- Michigan ranks 190th in steals per game (5.9) while Illinois ranks 193rd in steals allowed per game (6.3).
- The Wolverines rank 18th in blocks per game (4.3) while the Fighting Illini rank 173rd (2.5).
- Illinois averages 35.2 rebounds per game, which ranks second in the country. Michigan ranks 144th in rebounds allowed per game (34.5).
