A five-game home winning streak is on the line for the Northwestern Wildcats (9-5, 0-3 Big 10) when they square off with the Illinois Fighting Illini (4-10, 0-3 Big 10) at Welsh-Ryan Arena. Action gets underway at 1 p.m. ET on Sunday, January 6, 2019.
Illinois Fighting Illini vs. Northwestern Wildcats ATS Odds
Both teams had no trouble getting past their last opponent. The Wildcats defeated the New Orleans Privateers 82-52, while the Fighting Illini beat the Evansville Aces 99-60.
Illinois dominated nearly every facet of the game. They had a turnover percentage of 15.4 and an effective field goal percentage of 0.648. Evansville was 29.3 and 0.434, respectively, for those same stats. Northwestern, meanwhile, dominated every facet of their game. They had a turnover percentage of 11.2 and a free throw rate of 0.350. For those same stats, New Orleans recorded marks of 20.4 and 0.204, respectively. Northwestern’s Vic Law had a good game, contributing 18 points, six rebounds and five assists. Meanwhile, Ayo Dosunmu was a key piece for Illinois with 18 points and six rebounds.
The Wildcats won the only game between these two teams last season, 72-68. The Wildcats’ turnover percentage was their largest advantage over the Fighting Illini. Northwestern had a rate of 19.9, while Illinois posted a mark of 22.8. This will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams.
Law and Dererk Pardon have been playing well over the last five games for Northwestern. Law has averaged 0 points, while Pardon has recorded 0 points a game during that span.
From an effective field goal percentage perspective, Northwestern should have a considerable edge. The Wildcats defense ranks 77th in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.473), while the Illinois offense is ranked 234th in effective field goal percentage (0.499).
Illinois vs. Northwestern Betting Pick
Basketball Tip: SU Winner – Northwestern, ATS Winner – Illinois, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Northwestern ranks 41st in blocks per game (4.5) while Illinois ranks 155th (2.3).
- The Wildcats rank fourth in three pointers allowed per game (16.8) while the Fighting Illini rank 18th (18.6).
- Northwestern ranks 199th in rebounds per game (34.4) while Illinois ranks 208th in rebounds allowed per game (37.6).
- The Wildcats rank 46th in assists per game (16.1) while the Fighting Illini rank 101st (14.5).
- Illinois averages 7.7 steals per game, which ranks 51st in the country. Northwestern ranks 70th in steals allowed per game (5.9).
Bettings Trends:
- The Fighting Illini have scored an equal number of points as their opponents. For the season, Illinois has lost by an average of 0.9 points.
- During their last five games, the Wildcats have scored an average of 75.4 points per game (3.2 above their season average) and allowed an average of 61.8 points per game (1.2 below their season average).
