The Northwestern Wildcats (6-20, 1-15 Big 10) welcome the Illinois Fighting Illini (18-9, 10-6 Big 10) to Welsh-Ryan Arena. The Wildcats will try to snap their 11-game losing streak. The game is scheduled to start at 8 p.m. ET on Thursday, February 27, 2020.
Illinois Fighting Illini at Northwestern Wildcats Betting Odds
In their last outing, the Wildcats lost big to the Minnesota Golden Gophers, 83-57, while the Fighting Illini defeated the Nebraska Cornhuskers, 71-59.
Illinois dominated nearly every facet of the game. They had a fantastic offensive rebounding percentage of 39.6 (above their season average of 36.3) and a turnover percentage of 11.3 (better than their season average of 15.8). For those same stats, Nebraska put up marks of 17.1 and 17.6, respectively. Northwestern, on the other hand, had a better turnover percentage (9.4 vs. 12.7). Ryan Young led the way for Northwestern, putting up 10 points. Illinois rallied around Kofi Cockburn, who recorded 15 points and 10 rebounds.
In their first matchup this season, Trent Frazier led the Fighting Illini to a 75-71 victory. He put up 16 points and five rebounds. One of Illinois’ biggest strengths was their ability to convert at the free throw line. They were 12-15 (80.0 percent), while the Wildcats were 9-12 (75.0 percent).
Northwestern could put on a ball-control clinic in this contest. Northwestern ranks 14th in the country at avoiding errors (turnover percentage of 15.8 percent), while Illinois forces the 70th-fewest turnovers (17.6 percent). Additionally, the Fighting Illini, who rank seventh in offensive rebounding percentage (36.5 percent), will try to exploit the Wildcats, who rank 255th in defensive rebounding percentage (70.7 percent).
Illinois at Northwestern Betting Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Illinois, ATS Winner – Northwestern, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- Illinois ranks 12th in rebounds per game (40.4) while Northwestern ranks 239th (33.2).
- The Wildcats rank 39th in steals allowed per game (5.4) while the Fighting Illini rank 93rd (6.0).
- The Fighting Illini rank 49th in assists allowed per game (11.1) while the Wildcats rank 260th (15.9).
- Illinois ranks 72nd in three pointers allowed per game (19.7) while Northwestern ranks 255th (24.5).
Bettings Trends:
- The Wildcats’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 16.0, up from 5.2 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Fighting Illini have scored an average of 65.0 points per game (7.5 below their season average) and allowed an average of 66.4 points per game (1.8 above their season average).
