The Illinois Fighting Illini (10-15, 6-8 Big 10) will be at the Kohl Center to take on the 20th-ranked Wisconsin Badgers (17-8, 9-5 Big 10) in a Big 10 matchup. The game gets underway at 8 p.m. ET on Monday, February 18, 2019.
Illinois Fighting Illini vs. Wisconsin Badgers ATS Odds
In their last contest, the Badgers were beaten by the 11th-ranked Michigan State Spartans, 67-59, while the Fighting Illini were victorious over the Ohio State Buckeyes, 63-56.
The Fighting Illini forced 18 turnovers and held the Buckeyes to an effective field goal percentage of 0.383 (below their season average of 0.531). Wisconsin, on the other hand, had a better turnover percentage (14.0 vs. 17.4). Wisconsin was lifted by Ethan Happ, who finished with 20 points and 12 rebounds. Giorgi Bezhanishvili, meanwhile led the way for Illinois, contributing 13 points and seven rebounds.
In their first matchup this year, Nate Reuvers led the Badgers to a 72-60 victory. He recorded a double-double with 22 points and 10 rebounds. Making free throws was one of Wisconsin’s biggest strengths. They were 17-21 (81.0 percent), while the Fighting Illini were just 12-22 (54.5 percent).
Ball security could play an integral role in this meeting. Wisconsin commits the fourth-fewest miscues in the NCAA (turnover percentage of 14.2 percent), while the disruptive defense of Illinois forces the 15th-most (opponents’ turnover percentage of 23.6 percent). This game should be a battle of conflicting tempos. The fast-paced Fighting Illini rank 59th in possessions per game, while the more methodical Badgers rank 339th.
Illinois Fighting Illini vs. Wisconsin Badgers Betting Pick
College Basketball Pick: SU Winner – Wisconsin, ATS Winner – Wisconsin, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Illinois ranks 33rd in steals per game (7.9) while Wisconsin ranks 189th (5.4).
- The Badgers rank 56th in blocks per game (4.2) while the Fighting Illini rank 125th in blocks allowed per game (3.6).
- Wisconsin ranks 194th in rebounds per game (34.1) while Illinois ranks 234th (33.0).
- The Fighting Illini rank 102nd in three pointers attempted per game (23.9) while the Badgers rank 243rd (19.6).
- Wisconsin ranks 10th in assists allowed per game (9.9) while Illinois ranks 134th (13.1).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Fighting Illini have scored an average of 77.4 points per game (3.0 above their season average) and allowed an average of 74.8 points per game (0.0 below their season average).
- The Badgers’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 1.4, down from 8.8 for the season.
