The Illinois Fighting Illini (9-5, 1-2 Big 10) and their great offense host the Purdue Boilermakers (9-5, 2-1 Big 10) and their superb defense. Action starts at 8 p.m. ET on Sunday, January 5, 2020.
Purdue Boilermakers at Illinois Fighting Illini Betting Odds
In their last outing, the Fighting Illini were blown out by the 14th-ranked Michigan State Spartans, 76-56, while the Boilermakers were victorious over the Minnesota Golden Gophers, 83-78.
Purdue played a nearly perfect game. They had an effective field goal percentage of 0.507 (above their season average of 0.492) and a turnover percentage of 16.1 (worse than their season average of 15.0). For those same stats, Minnesota was 0.426 and 17.9, respectively. Illinois, meanwhile, had a turnover percentage of 8.9 (better than their season average of 17.8). Alan Griffin played well for Illinois, contributing 17 points and nine rebounds. Purdue, meanwhile, was lifted by Matt Haarms, who had 26 points and nine rebounds.
The Boilermakers won the lone contest between these two teams last year, 73-56. Purdue’s 0.286 free throw rate was their largest advantage over Illinois, who had a mark of 0.131. This will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams.
The game should be a matchup of strength against strength as the high-octane offense of Illinois takes on the elite defense of Purdue. The Fighting Illini rank 49th in offensive efficiency, while the Boilermakers are 26th in defensive efficiency. Also, the Boilermakers rank 25th in offensive rebounding percentage (35.7 percent), while the Fighting Illini rank 56th in defensive rebounding percentage (75.6 percent).
Purdue at Illinois Odds Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Purdue, ATS Winner – Purdue, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Purdue ranks 101st in three pointers attempted per game (23.7) while Illinois ranks 242nd (17.9).
- The Boilermakers average 15.3 assists per game, which ranks 47th in the NCAA. The Fighting Illini rank 103rd in assists allowed per game (12.2).
- The Boilermakers rank 35th in steals allowed per game (5.4) while the Fighting Illini rank 135th (7.1).
- Illinois ranks 16th in rebounds per game (41.7) while Purdue ranks 72nd (38.4).
Bettings Trends:
- The Fighting Illini’s average margin of victory in their last five games has been 5.4, down from 11.8 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Boilermakers have scored an average of 73.2 points per game (2.8 above their season average) and allowed an average of 66.2 points per game (7.3 above their season average).
