The Rutgers Scarlet Knights (11-11, 4-8 Big 10) will be at the State Farm Center to take on the Illinois Fighting Illini (8-15, 4-8 Big 10) in a Big 10 matchup. Action gets underway at 4 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 9, 2019.
Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Illinois Fighting Illini ATS Odds
In their last matchup, the Fighting Illini defeated the ninth-ranked Michigan State Spartans, 79-74, while the Scarlet Knights were beaten by the seventh-ranked Michigan Wolverines, 77-65.
Illinois’ 17.1 turnover percentage was their biggest advantage over Michigan State, who had a mark of 30.8. The Fighting Illini’s mark was worse than their season average of 16.2, while the Spartans’ was above their season average of 16.0. Rutgers, meanwhile, held Michigan to an offensive rebounding percentage of 20.6 (below their season average of 26.3). Ayo Dosunmu fueled Illinois with 24 points. Eugene Omoruyi had a good game for Rutgers, recording 21 points.
The Fighting Illini dominated this series last year, emerging victorious in both games. In the last contest, Illinois won 75-62. The Fighting Illini’s turnover percentage was their biggest advantage over the Scarlet Knights. Illinois had a rate of 15.3, while Rutgers posted a mark of 21.7. This will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams.
Illinois may have trouble getting to the free throw line in this meeting. The Fighting Illini currently rank 304th in the country with a free throw attempt (FTA) rate of 0.194, while Rutgers ranks 44th in FTA rate allowed (0.188). Also, the Scarlet Knights rank 41st in offensive rebounding percentage (34.4 percent), while the Fighting Illini rank 311th in defensive rebounding percentage (68.0 percent).
Rutgers Scarlet Knights vs. Illinois Fighting Illini ATS Pick
Basketball Prediction: SU Winner – Illinois, ATS Winner – Rutgers, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- Rutgers ranks 30th in rebounds per game (39.4) while Illinois ranks 246th (32.7).
- The Fighting Illini rank 29th in steals per game (8.0) while the Scarlet Knights rank 131st in steals allowed per game (6.6).
- The Scarlet Knights rank 47th in blocks per game (4.2) while the Fighting Illini rank 180th (2.3).
- Illinois ranks 20th in three pointers allowed per game (18.6) while Rutgers ranks 148th (22.5).
Bettings Trends:
- The Scarlet Knights’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 1.4, up from 0.3 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Fighting Illini have scored an average of 72.6 points per game (1.3 below their season average) and allowed an average of 72.6 points per game (2.2 below their season average).
