The sixth-ranked Michigan State Spartans (18-4, 9-2 Big 10) will be at the State Farm Center to square off with the Illinois Fighting Illini (7-15, 3-8 Big 10) in a Big 10 matchup. The game will air on ESPN2 at 7 p.m. ET on Tuesday, February 5, 2019.
Michigan State Spartans at Illinois Fighting Illini Betting Odds
In their last matchup, the Fighting Illini beat the Nebraska Cornhuskers, 71-64, while the Spartans were beaten by the 25th-ranked Indiana Hoosiers, 79-75.
The Fighting Illini had a superb effective field goal percentage of 0.554 (above their season average of 0.496), while the Cornhuskers had a free throw rate of 0.157 (below their season average of 0.243). Michigan State, meanwhile, had a better turnover percentage (12.0 vs. 13.9). Kipper Nichols led the way for Illinois, contributing 18 points and six rebounds. Meanwhile, Cassius Winston fueled Michigan State with 26 points, eight rebounds and seven assists.
The Spartans dominated this series last year, securing victories in both games. In the last game, Michigan State won 81-61. Michigan State’s effective field goal percentage was its largest advantage over Illinois. The Spartans had a rate of 0.578 while the Fighting Illini posted a mark of 0.385. This is the first time these teams will battle this year.
Illinois might have a tough time finding the bottom of the net as they face off against one of the country’s best defenses. Michigan State ranks 41st in defensive efficiency while the Fighting Illini rank 248th in offensive efficiency. Also, the Spartans rank 25th in offensive rebounding percentage (35.5 percent), while the Fighting Illini rank 309th in defensive rebounding percentage (68.2 percent).
Michigan State vs. Illinois Free Pick
College Basketball Prediction: SU Winner – Illinois, ATS Winner – Illinois, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Michigan State ranks third in rebounds per game (42.8) while Illinois ranks 254th (33.1).
- The Fighting Illini rank 41st in steals per game (7.8) while the Spartans rank 167th (5.6).
- Michigan State averages 20.1 assists per game, which ranks first in the country. Illinois ranks 127th in assists allowed per game (13.0).
- The Spartans rank third in blocks per game (6.1) while the Fighting Illini rank 177th (2.3).
- Illinois ranks 20th in three pointers allowed per game (18.6) while Michigan State ranks 179th (23.4).
Bettings Trends:
- The Fighting Illini’s average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 5.8, up from 1.2 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Spartans have scored an average of 71.8 points per game (10.6 below their season average) and allowed an average of 67.6 points per game (0.6 above their season average).
