Illinois Fighting Illini vs. Iowa Hawkeyes ATS Prediction 03/14/19

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The 22nd-ranked Iowa Hawkeyes (21-10, 10-10 Big 10) will be in the Big Ten Tourney at United Center when they meet the Illinois Fighting Illini (12-20, 8-13 Big 10). Action begins at 9:30 p.m. ET on Thursday, March 14, 2019.

Illinois Fighting Illini vs. Iowa Hawkeyes ATS Odds

In their last game, the Hawkeyes lost a tough one against the Nebraska Cornhuskers, 93-91, while the Fighting Illini beat the Northwestern Wildcats, 74-69.

The Fighting Illini made 13 of their 17 free throws (76.5 percent) and held the Wildcats to an effective field goal percentage of 0.403 (below their season average of 0.469). Iowa, on the other hand, had a much better free throw rate (0.304 vs. 0.147). Iowa was led by Luka Garza, who put up 25 points and seven rebounds. Giorgi Bezhanishvili, meanwhile played a pivotal role for Illinois with 26 points.

The aggressive Iowa offense could be getting to the charity stripe a lot in this contest. The Hawkeyes rank first in the NCAA with a free throw attempt (FTA) rate of 0.323, while Illinois ranks 346th in FTA rate allowed (0.317).

Illinois Fighting Illini vs. Iowa Hawkeyes Odds Pick

Pick: SU Winner – Iowa, ATS Winner – Iowa, O/U – Over

Betting Notes:

  • Illinois ranks 39th in three pointers allowed per game (19.6) while Iowa ranks 253rd (24.7).
  • The Hawkeyes rank 44th in blocks allowed per game (2.6) while the Fighting Illini rank 158th (3.7).
  • Illinois ranks 50th in steals per game (7.5) while Iowa ranks 153rd in steals allowed per game (6.6).
  • The Hawkeyes average 15.6 assists per game, which ranks 34th in the nation. The Fighting Illini rank 165th in assists allowed per game (13.3).
  • Iowa ranks 122nd in rebounds per game (36.0) while Illinois ranks 244th (33.2).

Bettings Trends:

  • The Hawkeyes have been outscored by an average of 10.0 points in their last five games. For the season, Iowa has defeated opponents by an average of 5.0 points.
  • During their last five games, the Fighting Illini have scored an average of 68.2 points per game (4.8 below their season average) and allowed an average of 76.4 points per game (1.4 above their season average).