The Penn State Nittany Lions (10-16, 3-12 Big 10) will be at the State Farm Center to square off with the Illinois Fighting Illini (10-16, 6-9 Big 10) in a Big 10 matchup. The game gets underway at 12 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 23, 2019.
Penn State Nittany Lions vs. Illinois Fighting Illini ATS Odds
In their last matchup, the Fighting Illini were beaten by the 22nd-ranked Wisconsin Badgers, 64-58, while the Nittany Lions dismantled the Nebraska Cornhuskers, 95-71.
Penn State dominated every stat category in the game. They had a superb turnover percentage of 9.1 (better than their season average of 15.8) and a free throw rate of 0.222 (above their season average of 0.220). Nebraska recorded marks of 14.1 and 0.153, respectively, for those same stats. Illinois, meanwhile, held Wisconsin to an effective field goal percentage of 0.445 (below their season average of 0.535). Ayo Dosunmu was a key piece for Illinois with 13 points. Lamar Stevens played well for Penn State, finishing with 29 points and eight rebounds.
The Nittany Lions won the lone game between these two teams last year, 74-52. Penn State had a much better turnover percentage (15.5 vs. 22.1). Illinois, meanwhile, had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (42.4 vs. 33.3). This will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams.
This game should be a battle of conflicting tempos. Illinois prefers a fast-breaking style of play (69th in possessions per game), while Penn State likes to grind-it-out (247th in possessions per game).
Penn State Nittany Lions vs. Illinois Fighting Illini Free Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Illinois, ATS Winner – Illinois, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- Illinois averages 7.8 steals per game, which ranks 34th in the country. Penn State ranks 154th in steals allowed per game (6.8).
- The Fighting Illini rank 14th in three pointers allowed per game (18.5) while the Nittany Lions rank 22nd (18.9).
- The Nittany Lions rank 123rd in rebounds allowed per game (34.2) while the Fighting Illini rank 234th (36.7).
- Penn State averages 3.5 blocks per game, which ranks 96th in the country. Illinois ranks 127th in blocks allowed per game (3.6).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Fighting Illini have scored an average of 74.0 points per game (0.2 above their season average) and allowed an average of 70.4 points per game (4.0 below their season average).
- The Nittany Lions’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 4.2, up from 0.0 for the season.
