The second-ranked Michigan Wolverines (15-0, 4-0 Big 10) hope to remain unbeaten when they challenge the Illinois Fighting Illini (4-11, 0-4 Big 10) at State Farm Center. The game gets underway at 8 p.m. ET on Thursday, January 10, 2019.
Michigan Wolverines at Illinois Fighting Illini Betting Odds
Both teams had no trouble getting past their last opponent. The Fighting Illini defeated the Evansville Aces 99-60, while the Wolverines beat the Norfolk State Spartans 63-44.
Michigan dominated every stat category in the game. They had a free throw rate of 0.217 and an offensive rebounding percentage of 34.7. Norfolk State put up marks of 0.085 and 18.6, respectively, for those same stats. Meanwhile, Illinois played a nearly perfect 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. Illinois was lifted by Ayo Dosunmu, who put up 18 points and six rebounds. Jon Teske played a key role for Michigan with 13 points and eight rebounds.
The Wolverines won the sole contest between these two teams last season, 79-69. Michigan’s free throw rate was their biggest strength over Illinois. The Wolverines had a rate of 0.373, while the Fighting Illini posted a mark of 0.214. This is the first time these teams will clash this year.
Illinois might have trouble finding the bottom of the net as they battle against one of the NCAA’s best defenses. Michigan currently ranks fourth in defensive efficiency while the Fighting Illini rank 268th in offensive efficiency. Additionally, the Wolverines commit the fifth-fewest errors in the nation (turnover percentage of 14.2 percent), while the ball-hawking defense of the Fighting Illini causes the 11th-most (opponents’ turnover percentage of 24.8 percent).
Michigan Wolverines vs. Illinois Fighting Illini Pick
Free Pick: SU Winner – Michigan, ATS Winner – Illinois, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Michigan ranks 30th in blocks allowed per game (2.5) while Illinois ranks 122nd (3.8).
- The Wolverines rank 134th in rebounds per game (36.3) while the Fighting Illini rank 203rd in rebounds allowed per game (37.3).
- Michigan leads the country with 16.0 three pointers allowed per game while Illinois is 23rd with 18.7 three pointers allowed per game.
- The Wolverines rank first in steals allowed per game (3.1) while the Fighting Illini rank 86th (6.3).
- Michigan ranks fifth in assists allowed per game (9.2) while Illinois ranks 79th (12.1).
Bettings Trends:
- The Fighting Illini have scored an equal number of points as their opponents. On the season, Illinois has been defeated by an average of 1.0 points.
- During their last five games, the Wolverines have scored an average of 68.4 points per game (4.5 below their season average) and allowed an average of 47.0 points per game (8.6 below their season average).
