The Illinois Fighting Illini (1-0) will be at home in State Farm Center when they clash against the UT Martin Skyhawks (0-1). The Over/Under (O/U) for the game has been set at 149 points with Illinois opening as a 17-point favorite. Action starts at 6 p.m. ET on Sunday, November 12, 2017, and it can be seen on ESPNU.
UT Martin Skyhawks vs. Illinois Fighting Illini ATS Preview
In the Skyhawks’ last contest, they fell to the Marshall Thundering Herd, 102-91. Dominique Williams had a solid performance for UT Martin, leading the team in scoring with 25 points on 10-for-12 shooting. Marshall had a much better turnover percentage (12.5 vs. 23.8). UT Martin, on the other hand, made 11 of their 26 three pointers (42.3 percent).
The Fighting Illini will look to keep it rolling after dismantling the Southern University Jaguars in their last contest, 102-55. Illinois received a boost from Mark Alstork, who led the team in scoring with 17 points on 4-for-8 shooting. Illinois dominated every facet of the game. They had a turnover percentage of 11.2 and an offensive rebounding percentage of 45.2. For those same stats, Southern University had marks of 26.5 and 24.3, respectively.
Illinois may have difficulty getting to the foul line in this matchup. Dating back to the 2016-17 season, the Fighting Illini rank 255th in the NCAA with a free throw attempt (FTA) rate of 0.229, while UT Martin ranks 82nd in FTA rate allowed (0.217). Moreover, the Skyhawks rank fifth in offensive rebounding percentage (37.8 percent), while the Fighting Illini rank 60th in defensive rebounding percentage (73.8 percent).
The Skyhawks have had a solid 21-13 straight up (SU) record since last season, but have struggled covering the spread (13-16-1 against the spread (ATS)). Games including UT Martin have had a slight tendency to go over the O/U total since last season (53.3 percent).
On the other hand, the Fighting Illini, have records of 19-14 SU and 15-17-1 ATS since last season. Games involving Illinois have had a tendency to finish under the projected point total over that same time frame (66.7 percent).
UT Martin Skyhawks vs. Illinois Fighting Illini Prediction
Predictions: SU Winner – Illinois, ATS Winner – UT Martin, O/U – Under
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Betting Notes (2016-Present):
- The Skyhawks rank 136th in blocks per game (3.4) while the Fighting Illini rank 227th (2.4).
- Illinois ranks 27th in assists allowed per game (11.1) while UT Martin ranks 283rd (15.5).
- The Fighting Illini rank 139th in three pointers allowed per game (20.7) while the Skyhawks rank 315th (26.6).
- Illinois ranks 48th in steals allowed per game (5.3) while UT Martin ranks 194th (6.5).
