The Illinois Fighting Illini (9-15, 5-8 Big 10) will be at Value City Arena to clash with the Ohio State Buckeyes (16-7, 6-6 Big 10) in a Big 10 matchup. Action gets underway at 7 p.m. ET on Thursday, February 14, 2019, and can be seen on ESPN2.
Illinois Fighting Illini at Ohio State Buckeyes ATS Odds
Both teams were victorious in their last game. The Buckeyes won a close one over the 25th-ranked Indiana Hoosiers 55-52, while the Fighting Illini were victorious over the Rutgers Scarlet Knights 99-94.
The Fighting Illini made 19 of their 26 free throws (73.1 percent) and had a turnover percentage of 11.5 (better than their season average of 16.3). The Buckeyes, on the other hand, had a solid offensive rebounding percentage of 32.3 (above their season average of 28.6) and held the Hoosiers to an effective field goal percentage of 0.453 (below their season average of 0.528). Ohio State was lifted by Andre Wesson, who put up 15 points. Giorgi Bezhanishvili played well for Illinois, finishing with 35 points and seven rebounds.
In their first matchup this season, Keyshawn Woods led the Buckeyes to a 77-67 win. He produced 18 points. Ohio State’s 0.529 effective field goal percentage was its biggest advantage over Illinois, who had a rate of 0.379.
The sharp-shooting offense of Ohio State (92nd in the nation with an effective field goal percentage 0.531) will battle against the mid-tier defense of Illinois (291st in effective field goal percentage allowed 0.528). The Buckeyes should have the advantage on that end of the court. This contest should be a matchup of conflicting paces. The quick-paced Fighting Illini rank 57th in possessions per game, while the more half-court oriented Buckeyes rank 296th.
Illinois Fighting Illini vs. Ohio State Buckeyes Odds Pick
Basketball Pick: SU Winner – Ohio State, ATS Winner – Ohio State, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- Illinois ranks 28th in steals per game (8.0) while Ohio State ranks 168th (5.7).
- The Buckeyes rank 178th in rebounds per game (34.7) while the Fighting Illini rank 239th (33.0).
- Illinois ranks 23rd in three pointers allowed per game (18.8) while Ohio State ranks 57th (20.1).
- The Buckeyes rank 29th in assists allowed per game (10.8) while the Fighting Illini rank 138th (13.3).
- Ohio State ranks 42nd in blocks allowed per game (2.7) while Illinois ranks 131st (3.7).
Bettings Trends:
- The Fighting Illini have outscored opponents by an average of 3.4 points in their last five games. On the season, Illinois has been defeated by an average of 0.7 points.
- During their last five games, the Buckeyes have scored an average of 64.8 points per game (7.6 below their season average) and allowed an average of 61.8 points per game (3.0 below their season average).
