The Illinois Fighting Illini (5-0) are off to a hot start and will try to remain undefeated when they square off against the North Carolina Central Eagles (2-4) at State Farm Center. Action begins at 7:30 p.m. ET on Friday, November 24, 2017.
North Carolina Central Eagles vs. Illinois Fighting Illini Betting Preview
The Eagles lost to the Marshall Thundering Herd in their last outing, 92-84. North Carolina Central’s Raasean Davis had a good performance, leading the team in scoring with 21 points on 10-for-14 shooting. Marshall’s free throw rate was their biggest advantage over North Carolina Central. The Thundering Herd had a rate of 0.246 (below their season average of 0.297), while the Eagles posted a mark of 0.097 (below their season average of 0.180).
The last time the Fighting Illini played, they blew out the Augustana (IL) Vikings, 96-62. With 20 points on 7-for-11 shooting, Michael Finke was the games leading scorer. Illinois dominated nearly every stat category in the game. They had a turnover percentage of 12.8 (better than their season average of 14.2) and an offensive rebounding percentage of 38.5 (below their season average of 39.4). For those same stats, Augustana (IL) was 33.9 and 28.6, respectively.
The offense of Illinois will clash against the top-notch defense of North Carolina Central. Since last season, the Fighting Illini rank 151st in offensive efficiency, while the Eagles are 12th in defensive efficiency. The Eagles figure to have the advantage on that end of the court.
North Carolina Central Eagles at Illinois Fighting Illini Free Prediction
Predictions: SU Winner – Illinois, ATS Winner – Illinois, O/U – Under
Betting Notes (2016-Present):
- The Fighting Illini average 20.9 three pointers per game, which ranks 174th in the NCAA. The Eagles rank 198th in three pointers allowed per game (21.9).
- Illinois ranks 29th in assists allowed per game (11.2) while North Carolina Central ranks 41st (11.4).
- North Carolina Central ranks 42nd in rebounds per game (38.6) while Illinois ranks 194th (35.3).
- The Eagles rank 166th in blocks per game (3.2) while the Fighting Illini rank 250th (2.4).
- North Carolina Central ranks 15th in steals allowed per game (4.8) while Illinois ranks 50th (5.3).
