A seven-game home winning streak is on the line for the 23rd-ranked Iowa Hawkeyes (15-3, 4-3 Big 10) when they square off against the Illinois Fighting Illini (5-12, 1-5 Big 10) at Carver-Hawkeye Arena. The game is scheduled to start at 1 p.m. ET on Sunday, January 20, 2019.
Illinois Fighting Illini vs. Iowa Hawkeyes Betting Odds
Both teams were victorious in their last game. The Hawkeyes were victorious over the Penn State Nittany Lions 89-82, while the Fighting Illini won big over the Minnesota Golden Gophers 95-68.
Illinois dominated nearly every facet of the game. They had a phenomenal offensive rebounding percentage of 41.4 (above their season average of 29.2) and an effective field goal percentage of 0.621 (above their season average of 0.495). For those same stats, Minnesota was 25.0 and 0.466, respectively. Iowa, meanwhile, dominated every facet of their game. They had a free throw rate of 0.203 (matching their season average) and an offensive rebounding percentage of 22.2 (below their season average of 31.7). For those same stats, Penn State had marks of 0.156 and 19.4, respectively. Iowa received a boost from Luka Garza, who finished with 22 points and 12 rebounds. Meanwhile, Giorgi Bezhanishvili played a key role for Illinois with 20 points and eight rebounds.
The Hawkeyes dominated this series last year, winning both games. In the last contest, Iowa won 96-87. Iowa made good use of their 41 trips to the charity stripe, making 34 of them (82.9 percent). Illinois, on the other hand, was 9-12 (75.0 percent). This is the first time these teams will clash this year.
The aggressive Iowa offense might be living from the free throw line in this contest. The Hawkeyes rank first in the country with a free throw attempt (FTA) rate of 0.379, while Illinois is among the nation’s most foul-prone squads (giving up a 344th-ranked FTA rate of 0.341).
Illinois Fighting Illini at Iowa Hawkeyes Free Pick
College Basketball Prediction: SU Winner – Illinois, ATS Winner – Iowa, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Illinois ranks 16th in three pointers allowed per game (18.4) while Iowa ranks 204th (24.6).
- The Fighting Illini rank 113th in assists per game (14.1) while the Hawkeyes rank 214th in assists allowed per game (15.4).
- Illinois averages 7.7 steals per game, which ranks 52nd in the NCAA. Iowa ranks 92nd in steals allowed per game (6.3).
- The Hawkeyes rank seventh in blocks allowed per game (2.1) while the Fighting Illini rank 131st (3.9).
- Iowa averages 37.1 rebounds per game, which ranks 96th in the country. Illinois ranks 201st in rebounds allowed per game (36.7).
Bettings Trends:
- The Hawkeyes’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 4.0, down from 9.9 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Fighting Illini have scored an average of 73.2 points per game (1.2 below their season average) and allowed an average of 72.2 points per game (2.1 below their season average).
