The UNLV Runnin’ Rebels (4-3) will travel to the State Farm Center to clash with the Illinois Fighting Illini (2-7). Action starts at 2 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 8, 2018.
UNLV Runnin’ Rebels at Illinois Fighting Illini ATS Odds
In their last contest, the Fighting Illini dismantled the Evansville Aces, 99-60, while the Runnin’ Rebels fell to the Loyola Marymount Lions, 61-50.
Illinois dominated nearly every facet of 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. UNLV, meanwhile, had a better offensive rebounding percentage (32.3 vs. 28.9). Ayo Dosunmu played well for Illinois with 18 points and six rebounds. Meanwhile, Shakur Juiston had a good outing for UNLV, contributing 12 points and seven rebounds.
The Runnin’ Rebels won the sole game between these two teams last season, 89-82. One of UNLV’s largest strengths was getting to the charity stripe. They had 48 free throw attempts, while Illinois had just 15.
Getting to the line could be few and far between for Illinois in this meeting. Dating back to last season, the Fighting Illini rank 335th in the NCAA with a free throw attempt (FTA) rate of 0.230, while UNLV ranks 61st in FTA rate allowed (0.195). Ball security could be troublesome for the Runnin’ Rebels. They rank 264th at avoiding errors (turnover percentage of 20.1 percent), while the Fighting Illini have forced the fourth-most turnovers in the nation (opponents’ turnover percentage of 24.2 percent).
UNLV Runnin’ Rebels at Illinois Fighting Illini Odds Pick
Basketball Prediction: SU Winner – Illinois, ATS Winner – Illinois, O/U – Under
Betting Notes (2017-Present):
- UNLV ranks 14th in rebounds per game (40.6) while Illinois ranks 285th (32.9).
- The Fighting Illini average 7.6 steals per game, which ranks 21st in the country. The Runnin’ Rebels rank 206th in steals allowed per game (6.9).
- UNLV ranks 50th in assists per game (15.6) while Illinois ranks 136th in assists allowed per game (12.8).
- The Fighting Illini rank 70th in three pointers attempted per game (22.6) while the Runnin’ Rebels rank 292nd (17.3).
- UNLV ranks 38th in blocks per game (4.5) while Illinois ranks 250th (2.1).
