The Illinois Fighting Illini (8-3) will square off against the Missouri Tigers (6-4) at Enterprise Center. The game can be seen on SEC Network at 1 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 21, 2019.
Illinois Fighting Illini vs. Missouri Tigers Betting Odds
Both teams beat their last opponent. The Tigers defeated the Southern Illinois Salukis 64-48, while the Fighting Illini beat the Old Dominion Monarchs 69-55.
Illinois played a nearly flawless game. They had a ridiculous free throw rate of 0.383 (above their season average of 0.294) and an effective field goal percentage of 0.543 (above their season average of 0.538). Old Dominion had marks of 0.123 and 0.421, respectively, for those same stats. The Tigers, on the other hand, had a ridiculous offensive rebounding percentage of 46.9 (above their season average of 28.3) and held the Salukis to an effective field goal percentage of 0.368 (below their season average of 0.524). Mark Smith led the way for Missouri, contributing 23 points. Kofi Cockburn, meanwhile was a key piece for Illinois with 11 points and nine rebounds.
The Tigers won the lone game between these two teams last year, 79-63. Missouri’s effective field goal percentage was its biggest advantage over Illinois. The Tigers had a rate of 0.612 while the Fighting Illini posted a mark of 0.475. This is the first time these teams will meet this year.
The offense of Missouri (263rd in the country with an offensive efficiency of 98.8) will face off against the elite defense of Illinois (80th in the nation with a defensive efficiency of 92.2). The Fighting Illini figure to have the edge on that end of the court. Also, the Fighting Illini are among the nation’s best on the offensive backboards, ranking second in offensive rebounding percentage (40.8 percent). The Tigers, meanwhile, rank 30th at corralling defensive rebounds with a defensive rebounding percentage of 76.9 percent.
Illinois vs. Missouri Odds Pick
Free Pick: SU Winner – Missouri, ATS Winner – Missouri, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Missouri ranks 104th in three pointers attempted per game (23.3) while Illinois ranks 251st (16.6).
- The Tigers average 6.7 steals per game, which ranks 99th in the country. The Fighting Illini rank 146th in steals allowed per game (7.5).
- Illinois is 13th in the country with 2.0 blocks allowed per game while Missouri is 16th with 2.1 blocks allowed per game.
- The Fighting Illini rank 50th in assists per game (15.2) while the Tigers rank 167th (12.0).
- Illinois ranks 10th in rebounds per game (42.3) while Missouri ranks 109th (36.9).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Fighting Illini have scored an average of 78.8 points per game (2.6 below their season average) and allowed an average of 64.4 points per game (2.3 below their season average).
- The Tigers have been outscored by an average of 0.8 points in their last five games. For the season, Missouri has defeated opponents by an average of 8.3 points.
