The Illinois Fighting Illini (3-7) will be at home in the State Farm Center when they square off with the East Tennessee State Buccaneers (8-3). Action begins at 2 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 15, 2018.
East Tennessee State Buccaneers at Illinois Fighting Illini ATS Odds
In their last matchup, the Fighting Illini easily got past the Evansville Aces, 99-60, while the Buccaneers were beaten by the Georgia State Panthers, 74-68.
Illinois dominated nearly every stat category in the game. They had a turnover percentage of 15.4 and an effective field goal percentage of 0.648. For those same stats, Evansville was 29.3 and 0.434, respectively. East Tennessee State, meanwhile, had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (52.9 vs. 40.5). Illinois received a boost from Ayo Dosunmu, who finished with 18 points and six rebounds. Meanwhile, Isaiah Tisdale played well for East Tennessee State, recording 19 points and five rebounds.
Jeromy Rodriguez has really been playing well as of late for East Tennessee State, averaging 0 points over the last five games.
Illinois might have a difficult time finding the bottom of the net as they go head-to-head against one of the country’s best defenses. East Tennessee State ranks 47th in defensive efficiency while the Fighting Illini rank 170th in offensive efficiency. Moreover, the Buccaneers, who rank 54th in offensive rebounding percentage (41.7 percent), will face off against the Fighting Illini, who rank 302nd in defensive rebounding percentage (66.2 percent).
East Tennessee State Buccaneers vs. Illinois Fighting Illini Free Pick
Free College Basketball Pick: SU Winner – East Tennessee State, ATS Winner – East Tennessee State, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- East Tennessee State ranks 57th in rebounds per game (43.4) while Illinois ranks 243rd (33.2).
- The Buccaneers average 7.1 steals per game, which ranks 44th in the NCAA. The Fighting Illini rank 116th in steals allowed per game (5.9).
- East Tennessee State ranks 49th in assists allowed per game (11.8) while Illinois ranks 105th (12.3).
- The Buccaneers rank 50th in blocks per game (3.6) while the Fighting Illini rank 191st (2.4).
- Illinois ranks 24th in three pointers allowed per game (19.1) while East Tennessee State ranks 163rd (22.9).
Bettings Trends:
- The Fighting Illini have scored an equal number of points as their opponents. On the season, Illinois has lost by an average of 0.5 points.
- During their last five games, the Buccaneers have scored an average of 81.6 points per game (1.4 above their season average) and allowed an average of 65.6 points per game (0.4 above their season average).
