It will be a showdown between two stifling defenses when the 22nd-ranked Illinois Fighting Illini (16-7, 8-4 Big 10) square off with the Michigan State Spartans (16-8, 8-5 Big 10) at State Farm Center. The game starts at 9 p.m. ET on Tuesday, February 11, 2020, and will air on ESPN.
Michigan State Spartans at Illinois Fighting Illini ATS Odds
Both teams were beaten in their last outing. The Fighting Illini fell to the ninth-ranked Maryland Terrapins, 75-66, while the Spartans were defeated by the Michigan Wolverines, 77-68.
Michigan State had a turnover percentage of 8.7 (better than their season average of 15.9) while Illinois held Maryland to an offensive rebounding percentage of 16.1 (below their season average of 33.2). Ayo Dosunmu played a pivotal role for Illinois with 16 points and five rebounds. Michigan State, meanwhile, was lifted by Xavier Tillman, who had 17 points and 12 rebounds.
In their first matchup this season, Tillman led the Spartans to a 76-56 victory. He produced 19 points, seven rebounds and six assists. Michigan State did a terrific job of making free throws (17-24; 70.8 percent). Illinois, meanwhile, had a better turnover percentage (8.9 vs. 12.4).
Expect this one to be a clinic on boxing out as two of the country’s top rebounding teams square off. The Spartans rank 38th in offensive rebounding percentage (33.4 percent), while Illinois ranks 55th in defensive rebounding percentage (75.1 percent).
Michigan State Spartans vs. Illinois Fighting Illini ATS Pick
Free Pick: SU Winner – Illinois, ATS Winner – Illinois, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Michigan State ranks 11th in blocks per game (5.4) while Illinois ranks 140th (2.9).
- The Fighting Illini rank 15th in rebounds per game (40.3) while the Spartans rank 81st in rebounds allowed per game (33.3).
- Michigan State ranks 216th in steals per game (5.2) while Illinois ranks 244th (4.7).
- The Spartans rank 145th in three pointers attempted per game (22.1) while the Fighting Illini rank 262nd (17.8).
- Michigan State ranks third in assists per game (18.1) while Illinois ranks 114th (13.6).
Bettings Trends:
- The Spartans’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 6.4, down from 12.2 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Fighting Illini have scored an average of 66.6 points per game (7.2 below their season average) and allowed an average of 64.4 points per game (0.3 below their season average).
