The Illinois Fighting Illini (12-15, 2-12 Big 10) look to snap the six-game winning streak of Nebraska when they welcome the Cornhuskers (20-8, 11-4 Big 10) to State Farm Center. The Over/Under (O/U) for the game opened at 145.5 points with Nebraska set as a 2-point favorite. Tip-off is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. ET on Sunday, February 18, 2018.
Nebraska Cornhuskers at Illinois Fighting Illini Odds Preview
The last time the Cornhuskers played, they beat the Maryland Terrapins, 70-66. James Palmer Jr. was the top scorer from either team with 26 points on 10-for-19 shooting. The Cornhuskers had a much better free throw rate (0.236 vs. 0.086) and held the Terrapins to an offensive rebounding percentage of 24.2 (below their season average of 32.2).
The Fighting Illini are trying to rebound after their 78-68 loss to the Indiana Hoosiers in their last outing. Leron Black was the top scorer from either team with 20 points on 8-for-12 shooting. Indiana had an effective field goal percentage of 0.659 (above their season average of 0.505). Illinois, on the other hand, forced the Hoosiers into a turnover percentage of 24.1 (above their season average of 15.4).
Look for Illinois to own the offensive glass in this meeting. The Fighting Illini currently rank 14th in offensive rebounding percentage (35.7 percent), while Nebraska ranks 332nd in defensive rebounding percentage (66.1 percent). Additionally, the 26th-ranked defense of the Cornhuskers (effective field goal percentage allowed of 0.467) will square off against the 259th-ranked offense of the Fighting Illini (effective field goal percentage of 0.494).
Games including these teams have typically gone under the projected point total. Nebraska games have finished under 65.4 percent of the time, while Illinois games have gone under 56.5 percent of the time. Looking at straight up (SU) and against the spread (ATS) records, the Cornhuskers have a substantial advantage. They are 20-8 SU and 20-6 ATS, while the Fighting Illini are 12-15 SU and 10-13 ATS.
Palmer Jr. has really been playing well over the last five games for Nebraska, averaging 21.6 points, 5.6 rebounds and 4.4 assists per game.
These teams have already met once this season. The two teams combined to put up 127 points in that game, which was well under the projected point total of 144.5. The Cornhuskers won 64-63, but were unable to cover as 4-point favorites. The Cornhuskers played a nearly flawless game. They had an absurd free throw rate of 0.333 and a turnover percentage of 14.1. The Fighting Illini were 0.237 and 19.1, respectively, for those same stats. In the loss, Michael Finke recorded a double-double with 16 points and 10 rebounds.
Nebraska Cornhuskers at Illinois Fighting Illini Betting Prediction
Free College Basketball Pick: SU Winner – Nebraska, ATS Winner – Nebraska, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- The Fighting Illini allow the 14th-fewest three pointers per game (17.7) while the Cornhuskers rank 17th (18.0).
- Nebraska is 9-4 ATS on the road with 8 unders and 5 overs.
- At home, Illinois is 5-7 ATS with 6 overs, 5 unders and 1 push.
- Nebraska ranks eighth in blocks per game (5.6) while Illinois ranks 210th (2.1).
- The Fighting Illini rank 71st in rebounds allowed per game (33.0) while the Cornhuskers rank 253rd (38.2).
- Nebraska ranks 29th in steals allowed per game (5.1) while Illinois ranks 155th (6.8).
Betting Trends:
- Illinois is 2-3 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders in their last five games.
- Over their last five games, Nebraska is 5-0 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders.
- The Fighting Illini have been outscored by an average of 3.6 points in their last five games. On the season, Illinois has defeated opponents by an average of 3.0 points.
- During their last five games, the Cornhuskers have scored an average of 80.0 points per game (6.4 above their season average) and allowed an average of 70.6 points per game (1.7 above their season average).
