The Illinois Fighting Illini (11-5, 3-2 Big 10) and their outstanding offense welcome the Rutgers Scarlet Knights (12-3, 3-1 Big 10) and their stifling defense. Action gets underway at 12 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 11, 2020.
Rutgers Scarlet Knights vs. Illinois Fighting Illini Betting Odds
Both teams were victorious in their last game. The Fighting Illini edged the Wisconsin Badgers 71-70, while the Scarlet Knights defeated the 20th-ranked Penn State Nittany Lions 72-61.
Rutgers played a perfect game. They had an absurd free throw rate of 0.379 (above their season average of 0.194) and an offensive rebounding percentage of 28.9 (below their season average of 36.2). For those same stats, Penn State recorded marks of 0.180 and 22.0, respectively. The Fighting Illini, meanwhile, had a superb effective field goal percentage of 0.553 (above their season average of 0.515) and had a turnover percentage of 9.9 (better than their season average of 17.2). Ayo Dosunmu played well for Illinois, recording 18 points, six assists and five rebounds. Meanwhile, Rutgers was led by Ron Harper Jr., who contributed 22 points and five rebounds.
The Fighting Illini won the lone game between these two teams last year, 99-94. Illinois did a great job of getting and making free throws (19-26; 73.1 percent). Rutgers, on the other hand, had a better offensive rebounding percentage (30.0 vs. 26.2). This will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams.
This showdown pits one of the country’s top offenses against one of its elite defenses. Illinois currently ranks 39th in offensive efficiency and Rutgers ranks 14th in defensive efficiency.
Rutgers at Illinois ATS Pick
Basketball Tip: SU Winner – Illinois, ATS Winner – Rutgers, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Rutgers ranks 25th in blocks per game (5.2) while Illinois ranks 121st (3.0).
- The Fighting Illini rank 242nd in three pointers attempted per game (17.9) while the Scarlet Knights rank 251st (17.4).
- Illinois ranks 77th in assists per game (14.5) while Rutgers ranks 86th in assists allowed per game (11.9).
- The Scarlet Knights average 7.3 steals per game, which ranks 83rd in the NCAA. The Fighting Illini rank 110th in steals allowed per game (6.6).
- Illinois is 18th in the country with 30.4 rebounds allowed per game while Rutgers is 35th with 31.5 rebounds allowed per game.
Bettings Trends:
- The Scarlet Knights’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 22.4, up from 13.9 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Fighting Illini have scored an average of 68.2 points per game (9.1 below their season average) and allowed an average of 62.0 points per game (3.3 below their season average).
