The Missouri Tigers (7-3) will clash against the Illinois Fighting Illini (4-7) at Enterprise Center. The game is scheduled to start at 8 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 22, 2018.
Missouri Tigers vs. Illinois Fighting Illini Betting Odds
Both teams were victorious in their last game. The Fighting Illini dismantled the Evansville Aces 99-60, while the Tigers defeated the Central Arkansas Bears 68-55.
Missouri dominated every facet of the game. They had an offensive rebounding percentage of 26.2 and a turnover percentage of 13.6. For those same stats, Central Arkansas had marks of 17.1 and 16.8, respectively. Meanwhile, Illinois played a nearly flawless game. They had a turnover percentage of 15.4 and an effective field goal percentage of 0.648. Evansville had marks of 29.3 and 0.434, respectively, for those same stats. Illinois received a boost from Ayo Dosunmu, who recorded 18 points and six rebounds. Meanwhile, Mark Smith led the way for Missouri, finishing with 19 points and 10 rebounds.
The Fighting Illini won the only contest between these two teams last season, 70-64. The Fighting Illini’s turnover percentage was their largest strength over the Tigers. Illinois had a rate of 12.4, while Missouri posted a mark of 24.6. This is the first time these teams will clash this year.
The offense of Illinois will clash against the stingy defense of Missouri. The Fighting Illini currently rank 198th in offensive efficiency, while the Tigers are 81st in defensive efficiency. The Tigers should have the edge on that end of the court. Also, the Tigers rank 268th in turnover percentage (20.6 percent), while the Fighting Illini rank 10th in opponents’ turnover percentage (25.2 percent).
Missouri Tigers vs. Illinois Fighting Illini Betting Pick
Basketball Tip: SU Winner – Illinois, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Missouri ranks 44th in rebounds allowed per game (32.0) while Illinois ranks 175th (36.9).
- The Fighting Illini rank 37th in three pointers allowed per game (19.4) while the Tigers rank 90th (21.2).
- Illinois ranks 65th in assists per game (15.3) while Missouri ranks 69th in assists allowed per game (11.9).
- The Fighting Illini rank 40th in steals per game (7.9) while the Tigers rank 152nd (5.4).
- Missouri ranks 40th in blocks allowed per game (2.7) while Illinois ranks 108th (3.7).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Fighting Illini have scored an average of 79.8 points per game (3.8 above their season average) and allowed an average of 79.8 points per game (5.0 above their season average).
- The Tigers have been outscored by an average of 2.0 points in their last five games. For the season, Missouri has defeated opponents by an average of 4.1 points.
