The Illinois Fighting Illini (15-7) travel to face off against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights (11-11) on Wednesday, February 5th. This game will be played at Jersey Mike’s Arena in Piscataway and televised on BTN. Illinois is coming off a win in their previous game, while Rutgers is looking to get back on track from a loss to the Michigan. Tip-off is set for 8:30 ET.

Illinois Fighting Illini vs Rutgers Scarlet Knights

The Fighting Illini Are Coming Off A Win

Illinois Fighting Illini Recent Game/Games

Illinois improved to 15-7 on the season with an 87-79 win over Ohio State on Sunday. The Illini, who were -6.5 favorites, covered the spread. The game’s total points of 166 exceeded the over/under line of 156.5.

After trailing 42-36 at halftime, Illinois turned things around by scoring 51 points in the 2nd half while holding Ohio State to 37 points.

The Scarlet Knights Are Coming Off A Win

Rutgers Scarlet Knights Recent Game/Games

Rutgers’ season record fell to 11-11 after a 66-63 home loss to Michigan on Saturday. Despite being +6.5 point underdogs, the Scarlet Knights kept it close, covering the spread. The game’s total points of 129 fell well under the 154.5 O/U line.

After trailing 32-25 at halftime, Rutgers fought back in the 2nd half, outscoring Michigan 38-34, but it wasn’t enough to secure the win.

Fighting Illini Offense Breakdown

Illinois put up 87 points in their last game, shooting 51.7% from the field. They were dominant inside, hitting 68.4% of their two-point attempts, but struggled from beyond the arc, making just 4 of 20 threes (20%).

Devin Royal led the way with 29 points, while Will Riley added 24, shooting 77.8% from the field. Bruce Thornton contributed 22 points and 5 assists, hitting 4 threes at a 57.1% clip.

Scarlet Knights Offense Breakdown

Rutgers struggled offensively in their last game, shooting just 32.8% from the field and 27.8% from three-point range, finishing with 63 points. Their effective field goal percentage was 40.3%, and they hit 9 of 13 free throws (69.2%).

Jamichael Davis led the way with 20 points, hitting 4 of 7 threes, while Danny Wolf added 16 points and 14 rebounds. Vladislav Goldin was efficient, shooting 75% from the field, and Tyson Acuff contributed 14 points, making 4 of 8 from beyond the arc.

Fighting Illini Team Defense

Illinois struggled defensively, giving up 79 points on 51% shooting from the field. They allowed 26 two-point baskets on 38 attempts, a 68% success rate for their opponent.

From beyond the arc, Illinois held their opponent to 4 threes on 20 attempts, a 20% shooting performance. However, they sent them to the line 31 times, where they made 23 free throws, shooting 74%.

Scarlet Knights Team Defense

Illinois struggled defensively, giving up 79 points on 51% shooting from the field. They allowed 26 two-point baskets on 38 attempts, a 68% success rate for their opponent.

From beyond the arc, Illinois held their opponent to 20% shooting, with just 4 made threes on 20 attempts. However, they sent them to the free-throw line 31 times, where they converted 23 free throws, a 74% rate.

Fighting Illini vs Scarlet Knights Trends

• Across the Fighting Illini last five road games, the team averaged 87 points per game while allowing 76. Their record vs the spread in these contests was 2-3, while going 3-2 straight-up.
• In their last five games at home, the Scarlet Knights have a straight up record of 2-3 while going 2-3 vs the spread. The team’s offense averaged 75 points per game in these contests.
• As the betting underdog, the Scarlet Knights have an ATS mark of just 5-5 in their last ten games. Rutgers posted a straight up mark of 3-7 in these matchups.
• Illinois has done well both straight up and vs the spread when favored to win the game, going 3-2 SU and 3-2 ATS in their last five games.

Fighting Illini vs Scarlet Knights Prediction

As the underdogs with a spread of +6.5, we recommend going with the Scarlet Knights on the point spread. We not only see them covering the spread but also have a strong likelihood of winning this one outright, especially if you’re seeking a higher payout on the moneyline.

Right now, the over/under line for the game is sitting at 156.5 and given that our model is projecting 145 points between the teams, we like the under.

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All odds are courtesy of Action247 Sportsbook. Good luck!!

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* All odds are provided by Action247 Sportsbook and all odds subject to change.**All views expressed are my own. My picks are my own and are not a guarantee, bet at your own risk.Action247 does not warrant the accuracy of completeness of the information, text, graphics, links or other items contained within these post.