It will be a battle between Big 10 opponents when the Northwestern Wildcats (4-3) welcome the Illinois Fighting Illini (6-1) to Allstate Arena. The game is scheduled to get underway at 9 p.m. ET on Friday, December 1, 2017.
Northwestern is a 6-point favorite on the opening line, while the game’s Over/Under (O/U) opened at 146.5 points.
Illinois Fighting Illini at Northwestern Wildcats ATS Prediction
The Fighting Illini are trying to rebound after their 80-73 loss to the Wake Forest Demon Deacons in their last outing. Getting to the charity stripe was one of Wake Forest’s largest strengths. They had 31 free throw attempts, while Illinois had just 14. Aaron Jordan led Illinois in scoring with 20 points on 6-for-10 shooting.
The last time the Wildcats played, they lost a close one to the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets, 52-51. Georgia Tech’s 0.372 free throw rate was their biggest advantage over Northwestern, who had a mark of 0.069. The Yellow Jackets’ mark was above their season average of 0.338, while the Wildcats’ was below their season average of 0.305. With 18 points on 8-for-18 shooting, Bryant McIntosh was the game’s high scorer.
From an effective field goal percentage perspective, Northwestern should have a considerable advantage. Dating back to the 2016-17 season, the Wildcats defense ranks 54th in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.472), while the Illinois offense ranks 166th in effective field goal percentage (0.511).
Illinois holds records of 6-1 straight up (SU) and 2-2 against the spread (ATS). Of the Fighting Illini’s 4 games that accepted bets, three have finished under the total.
Meanwhile, Northwestern owns records of 4-3 SU and 1-4 ATS. Unlike Illinois, Wildcats games have typically finished over the O/U total (60.0 percent).
The Fighting Illini won both games against the Wildcats last season. In the last game, Illinois won 66-50. The Fighting Illini had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (32.4 vs. 18.4) and had a much better free throw rate (0.291 vs. 0.179).
Illinois Fighting Illini vs. Northwestern Wildcats Free Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Illinois, ATS Winner – Illinois, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes (2016-Present):
Northwestern ranks 33rd in blocks per game (4.8) while Illinois ranks 249th (2.4).
The Fighting Illini rank 27th in assists allowed per game (11.2) while the Wildcats rank 99th (12.3).
Illinois ranks 189th in steals per game (5.9) while Northwestern ranks 254th (5.1).
