The Illinois Fighting Illini (6-14, 2-7 Big 10) will be at Williams Arena to square off against the Minnesota Golden Gophers (15-5, 5-4 Big 10) in a Big 10 matchup. Action starts at 9 p.m. ET on Wednesday, January 30, 2019.
Illinois Fighting Illini vs. Minnesota Golden Gophers ATS Odds
Both teams beat their last opponent. The Golden Gophers defeated the 19th-ranked Iowa Hawkeyes 92-87, while the Fighting Illini beat the 13th-ranked Maryland Terrapins 78-67.
Illinois’ 11.6 turnover percentage was their largest strength over Maryland, who had a mark of 27.4. The Fighting Illini’s mark was better than their season average of 16.8, while the Terrapins’ was above their season average of 16.7. The Golden Gophers, on the other hand, had an absurd free throw rate of 0.375 (above their season average of 0.308) and had a turnover percentage of 11.4 (better than their season average of 15.9). Minnesota was led by Jordan Murphy, who contributed 23 points, 11 rebounds and six assists. Ayo Dosunmu, meanwhile played well for Illinois, finishing with 20 points and six assists.
In their first matchup this year, Giorgi Bezhanishvili led the Fighting Illini to a 95-68 win. He produced 20 points and eight rebounds. The Fighting Illini’s offensive rebounding percentage was their biggest strength over the Golden Gophers. Illinois had a rate of 41.4, while Minnesota posted a mark of 25.0.
The offensive glass could be a huge edge for Minnesota in this matchup. The Golden Gophers currently rank 35th in offensive rebounding percentage (34.5 percent), while Illinois ranks 285th in defensive rebounding percentage (69.2 percent).
Illinois Fighting Illini at Minnesota Golden Gophers Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Minnesota, ATS Winner – Minnesota, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Minnesota ranks 63rd in rebounds per game (38.0) while Illinois ranks 248th (33.1).
- The Golden Gophers rank 46th in blocks per game (4.3) while the Fighting Illini rank 170th (2.3).
- Minnesota ranks 44th in assists per game (15.6) while Illinois ranks 114th in assists allowed per game (12.9).
- The Fighting Illini rank 96th in three pointers attempted per game (24.3) while the Golden Gophers rank 275th (17.2).
- Illinois ranks 29th in steals per game (8.2) while Minnesota ranks 175th (5.5).
Bettings Trends:
- The Fighting Illini’s average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 1.6, up from 1.1 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Golden Gophers have scored an average of 74.0 points per game (0.3 below their season average) and allowed an average of 75.0 points per game (5.1 above their season average).
