The Citadel Bulldogs (1-3) will travel to the State Farm Center to square off with the Illinois Fighting Illini (3-1). Action starts at 9 p.m. ET on Wednesday, November 20, 2019.
Citadel Bulldogs at Illinois Fighting Illini Betting Odds
Both teams defeated their last opponent. The Fighting Illini defeated the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors 66-53, while the Bulldogs beat the Southeast Missouri State Redhawks 74-69.
Citadel played a nearly flawless game. They had an effective field goal percentage of 0.534 (below their season average of 0.565) and an offensive rebounding percentage of 25.7 (above their season average of 23.5). For those same stats, Southeast Missouri State recorded marks of 0.468 and 23.8, respectively. The Fighting Illini, on the other hand, had a much better free throw rate (0.278 vs. 0.031) and held the Rainbow Warriors to an offensive rebounding percentage of 13.2 (below their season average of 26.4). Illinois was led by Kofi Cockburn, who had 15 points and 14 rebounds. Kaelon Harris led the way for Citadel, recording 20 points and 12 rebounds.
The Bulldogs have had records of 13-20 straight up (SU) and 13-14-1 against the spread (ATS) since last season. Citadel games have finished over the projected point total 57.1 percent of the time since last season.
The Fighting Illini, meanwhile, have records of 14-18 SU and 14-18 ATS since last season. Vegas has been fairly accurate when predicting totals of Illinois games over that same time frame with 17 unders compared to 14 overs.
The sharp-shooting offense of Citadel will clash against the bottom-tier defense of Illinois. Since last season, the Bulldogs offense ranks 43rd in effective field goal percentage (0.541), while the Illinois defense ranks 275th in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.518). The Bulldogs should have the advantage on that side of the ball.
Citadel Bulldogs at Illinois Fighting Illini Pick
Free Prediction: SU Winner – Illinois, ATS Winner – Citadel, O/U – Over
Betting Notes (2018-Present):
- Illinois ranks 37th in three pointers allowed per game (19.6) while Citadel ranks 324th (30.4).
- The Fighting Illini rank 182nd in rebounds allowed per game (35.4) while the Bulldogs rank 304th (39.9).
- Citadel ranks 133rd in blocks per game (3.4) while Illinois ranks 226th (2.5).
- The Bulldogs average 15.6 assists per game, which ranks 29th in the nation. The Fighting Illini rank 203rd in assists allowed per game (13.7).
- Illinois averages 7.1 steals per game, which ranks 81st in the country. Citadel ranks 230th in steals allowed per game (7.1).
