A five-game home winning streak is on the line for the Nebraska Cornhuskers (6-1) when they go head-to-head against the Illinois Fighting Illini (2-5) at Pinnacle Bank Arena. Action begins at 5 p.m. ET on Sunday, December 2, 2018.
Illinois Fighting Illini at Nebraska Cornhuskers Betting Odds
In their last matchup, the Cornhuskers barely escaped the Clemson Tigers, 68-66, while the Fighting Illini lost a winnable game to the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, 76-74.
The Cornhuskers had a better turnover percentage (14.3 vs. 15.9) and had a better effective field goal percentage (0.536 vs. 0.528). Illinois, meanwhile, had an offensive rebounding percentage of 40.0 (above their season average of 29.3). Nebraska was led by James Palmer Jr., who put up 20 points and nine rebounds. Meanwhile, Aaron Jordan was a key piece for Illinois with 23 points and five rebounds.
This was a highly contested series last year, as the teams split their two games last season. In the most recent matchup, the Fighting Illini won 72-66. Illinois won the rebounding battle. The Fighting Illini had 11 offensive rebounds and 38 total rebounds, while the Cornhuskers had five and 29, respectively.
Based on historical performance heading into this one, ball protection could play an integral role in this matchup. Since last season, Nebraska has committed the 30th-fewest miscues in the nation (turnover percentage of 16.2 percent), while the gambling defense of Illinois has forced the second-most (opponents’ turnover percentage of 24.2 percent). Also, the Fighting Illini could control the offensive glass in this battle as they rank 41st in the country in offensive rebounding percentage at 33.6 percent. The Cornhuskers, meanwhile, rank 327th at grabbing defensive rebounds with a defensive rebounding percentage of 67.2 percent.
Illinois Fighting Illini at Nebraska Cornhuskers ATS Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Nebraska, ATS Winner – Nebraska, O/U – Over
Betting Notes (2017-Present):
- Nebraska ranks sixth in blocks per game (5.6) while Illinois ranks 273rd (2.2).
- The Cornhuskers are 13th in the nation with 17.9 three pointers allowed per game while the Fighting Illini are 18th with 18.4 three pointers allowed per game.
- The Cornhuskers rank 108th in rebounds per game (36.7) while the Fighting Illini rank 291st (32.9).
- Nebraska ranks 23rd in steals allowed per game (5.0) while Illinois ranks 149th (6.2).
