The 19th-ranked Illinois Fighting Illini (15-5, 7-2 Big 10) welcome the Minnesota Golden Gophers (11-9, 5-5 Big 10) to State Farm Center. The Fighting Illini will try to continue their six-game winning streak. Action begins at 7:30 p.m. ET on Thursday, January 30, 2020.
Minnesota Golden Gophers vs. Illinois Fighting Illini ATS Odds
In their last contest, the Fighting Illini barely escaped the Michigan Wolverines, 64-62, while the Golden Gophers got blown out by the 11th-ranked Michigan State Spartans, 70-52.
The Fighting Illini held the Wolverines to an effective field goal percentage of 0.424 (below their season average of 0.541) and had a better free throw rate (0.222 vs. 0.203). Minnesota, meanwhile, did an excellent job of converting from the free throw line (15-20; 75.0 percent). Ayo Dosunmu played well for Illinois with 27 points and seven rebounds. Meanwhile, Minnesota was led by Marcus Carr, who finished with 11 points, seven rebounds and six assists.
This series was highly contested last year, as the teams split their two games last season. In the most recent matchup, the Golden Gophers won 86-75. Getting to the free throw line was one of Minnesota’s largest advantages. They made 26 trips to the line, while Illinois went 22 times. This will be the first contest of the year between these two teams.
The high-octane offense of Illinois will battle against the mid-tier defense of Minnesota. The Fighting Illini currently rank 37th in offensive efficiency, while the Golden Gophers are 169th in defensive efficiency. The Fighting Illini figure to have the edge on that side of the ball.
Minnesota Golden Gophers at Illinois Fighting Illini ATS Pick
College Basketball Prediction: SU Winner – Minnesota, ATS Winner – Minnesota, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Minnesota ranks 62nd in three pointers attempted per game (24.9) while Illinois ranks 261st (17.6).
- The Fighting Illini rank 42nd in assists allowed per game (10.7) while the Golden Gophers rank 138th (12.8).
- Minnesota ranks 211th in steals per game (5.2) while Illinois ranks 234th (4.7).
- The Fighting Illini rank 18th in rebounds per game (40.5) while the Golden Gophers rank 150th in rebounds allowed per game (35.3).
- Minnesota ranks 27th in blocks per game (4.8) while Illinois ranks 131st (3.0).
Bettings Trends:
- The Fighting Illini’s average margin of victory in their last five games has been 5.4, down from 10.9 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Golden Gophers have scored an average of 64.0 points per game (7.2 below their season average) and allowed an average of 65.8 points per game (0.7 below their season average).
