The Illinois Fighting Illini (3-0) are off to a hot start and will try to remain undefeated when they challenge the Marshall Thundering Herd (2-1) at State Farm Center. The Over/Under (O/U) for the game opened at 168 points with Illinois set as a 13.5-point favorite. Tip-off is set for 5 p.m. ET on Sunday, November 19, 2017.
Marshall Thundering Herd vs. Illinois Fighting Illini ATS Preview
In the Thundering Herds last game, they lost a tough one against the Morehead State Eagles, 86-83. Marshalls Ajdin Penava finished with 21 points, 10 rebounds and six blocks in the game. Morehead State had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (45.0 vs. 16.2). Marshall, meanwhile, had a much better turnover percentage (13.2 vs. 20.9).
The Fighting Illini hope to maintain momentum after beating the DePaul Blue Demons in their last matchup, 82-73. Illinois was lifted by Mark Smith, who was the top scorer from either team with 21 points on 4-for-10 shooting. Illinois played a nearly perfect game. They had a ridiculous free throw rate of 0.450 and an effective field goal percentage of 0.458. For those same stats, DePaul was 0.333 and 0.413, respectively.
Illinois may have trouble getting to the foul line in this matchup. The Fighting Illini rank 225th in the NCAA with a free throw attempt (FTA) rate of 0.237, while Marshall ranks 50th in FTA rate allowed (0.205) dating back to the 2016-17 season.
Since last season, the Thundering Herd are 22-16 straight up (SU) and 21-13 against the spread (ATS). Vegas has had a tendency to set the total low when Marshall is involved since last season as 64.7 percent of their games have ended over the projected point total.
The Fighting Illini, meanwhile, are 21-14 SU and 16-18-1 ATS since last season. Vegas has had a tendency to place the total high when Illinois has been involved over that same time frame as 65.7 percent of their games have gone under the O/U total.
Marshall Thundering Herd vs. Illinois Fighting Illini Odds Prediction
Predictions: SU Winner – Illinois, ATS Winner – Marshall, O/U – Under
Betting Notes (2016-Present):
- The Thundering Herd rank 71st in blocks per game (4.1) while the Fighting Illini rank 233rd (2.5).
- Illinois ranks 55th in rebounds allowed per game (33.1) while Marshall ranks 318th (42.3).
- The Fighting Illini rank 32nd in assists allowed per game (11.2) while the Thundering Herd rank 257th (14.9).
- Marshall ranks eighth in three pointers attempted per game (27.6) while Illinois ranks 176th (20.9).
