Expect a high-scoring game when the Illinois Fighting Illini (9-4, 1-1 Big 10) take on the 14th-ranked Michigan State Spartans (10-3, 2-0 Big 10) at Jack Breslin Student Events Center. Action gets underway at 8 p.m. ET on Thursday, January 2, 2020.
Illinois Fighting Illini at Michigan State Spartans ATS Odds
Both teams blew out their last opponent. The Spartans defeated the Western Michigan Broncos 95-62, while the Fighting Illini beat the North Carolina A&T Aggies 95-64.
Illinois played a perfect game. They had a turnover percentage of 10.5 (better than their season average of 18.4) and an offensive rebounding percentage of 38.9 (below their season average of 40.3). North Carolina A&T was 23.6 and 19.4, respectively, for those same stats. Meanwhile, Michigan State dominated every stat category in their game. They had a phenomenal free throw rate of 0.323 (above their season average of 0.267) and an offensive rebounding percentage of 51.5 (above their season average of 34.6). Western Michigan was 0.048 and 21.6, respectively, for those same stats. Xavier Tillman played well for Michigan State, recording 15 points and 11 rebounds. Meanwhile, Illinois rallied around Kofi Cockburn, who put up 26 points and nine rebounds.
The Fighting Illini won the sole contest between these two teams last year, 79-74. The Fighting Illini’s 17.1 turnover percentage was their largest strength over the Spartans, who had a rate of 30.8. This will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams.
This meeting figures to be a shootout as a pair of the country’s best offenses battle. Michigan State ranks sixth with 115.4 points per 100 possessions and Illinois is 29th (112.9). Also, the Fighting Illini rank third in offensive rebounding percentage (40.1 percent), while the Spartans rank 38th in defensive rebounding percentage (76.5 percent).
Illinois vs. Michigan State ATS Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Michigan State, ATS Winner – Michigan State, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Michigan State ranks 110th in three pointers attempted per game (23.2) while Illinois ranks 263rd (17.2).
- The Fighting Illini are fourth in the NCAA with 28.7 rebounds allowed per game while the Spartans are 35th with 31.4 rebounds allowed per game.
- The Spartans rank 29th in blocks per game (4.8) while the Fighting Illini rank 115th (3.0).
- Michigan State ranks first in assists per game (20.0) while Illinois ranks 78th in assists allowed per game (11.6).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Spartans have scored an average of 84.4 points per game (2.6 above their season average) and allowed an average of 59.2 points per game (5.1 below their season average).
- The Fighting Illini’s average margin of victory in their last five games has been 9.2, down from 14.2 for the season.
