The 18th-ranked Iowa Hawkeyes (15-6, 6-4 Big 10) and their phenomenal offense welcome the 19th-ranked Illinois Fighting Illini (16-5, 8-2 Big 10) and their superb defense. The game is scheduled to start at 1 p.m. ET on Sunday, February 2, 2020.
Illinois Fighting Illini vs. Iowa Hawkeyes ATS Odds
In their last contest, the Hawkeyes fell to the 15th-ranked Maryland Terrapins, 82-72, while the Fighting Illini defeated the Minnesota Golden Gophers, 59-51.
Illinois played a flawless game. They had an offensive rebounding percentage of 31.7 (below their season average of 37.2) and a turnover percentage of 10.3 (better than their season average of 16.2). Minnesota had marks of 20.0 and 15.5, respectively, for those same stats. Iowa, on the other hand, had a turnover percentage of 9.5 (better than their season average of 14.7). Luka Garza played a pivotal role for Iowa with 21 points. Kofi Cockburn, meanwhile had a good outing for Illinois, contributing 13 points and 10 rebounds.
The Hawkeyes dominated this series last year, winning both games. In the last game, Iowa won 83-62. One of Iowa’s largest advantages was their ability to convert at the free throw line. They were 9-11 (81.8 percent), while the Fighting Illini were just 2-4 (50.0 percent). This is the first time these teams will go head-to-head this year.
The game should be a battle of strength against strength as the high-powered offense of Iowa (14th in the NCAA with an offensive efficiency of 112.1) takes on the stingy defense of Illinois (49th in the NCAA with a defensive efficiency of 93.0).
Illinois Fighting Illini vs. Iowa Hawkeyes Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Iowa, ATS Winner – Illinois, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Illinois ranks 32nd in assists allowed per game (10.4) while Iowa ranks 205th (14.2).
- The Hawkeyes rank 131st in steals per game (6.3) while the Fighting Illini rank 226th (4.6).
- Illinois averages 3.1 blocks per game, which ranks 124th in the country. Iowa ranks 142nd in blocks allowed per game (3.9).
- The Hawkeyes rank 114th in three pointers attempted per game (23.0) while the Fighting Illini rank 267th (17.4).
- Illinois averages 40.7 rebounds per game, which ranks 18th in the nation. Iowa ranks 122nd in rebounds allowed per game (34.6).
Bettings Trends:
- The Fighting Illini’s average margin of victory in their last five games has been 6.8, down from 10.8 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Hawkeyes have scored an average of 78.0 points per game (1.2 below their season average) and allowed an average of 73.8 points per game (3.4 above their season average).
