The Rutgers Scarlet Knights (10-7) travel to face off against the Illinois Fighting Illini (13-4) on Sunday, January 21st. This game will be played at State Farm Center in Champaign and televised on BTN. Both team’s come into this one having won their previous games. Tip-off is set for 1:00 ET.
Rutgers Scarlet Knights vs Illinois Fighting Illini
The Rutgers Scarlet Knights Are Coming Off A Win
After winning their last game against Nebraska by a score of 87-82, Rutgers comes into this game with a record of 10-7. So far this season, they have gone 2-4 in Big Ten games, compared to their 8-3 record in non-conference games. As the underdog, they are just 1-5 this year.
On the road, the Scarlet Knights have gone just 1-4, and they have lost their last three games away from home. Their average scoring margin on the road is -8.6 points per game, and they are looking to snap a three-game losing streak.
As the underdog, Rutgers has an ATS record of just 2-4 this season. However, over their last 10 games as the underdog, the Scarlet Knights have gone 6-4 vs. the spread. On the road this year, Rutgers is 2-3 ATS and their mark vs. the spread in their last 3 road games is 1-2.
This season, the over/under record for Rutgers games is 5-12, and today’s over/under line of 143.5 is higher than the average over/under line in their games (137.5). So far, 12 of their games have finished with fewer points than today’s OU line. Over their last three games, the average scoring total is 139 points, and their OU record over their last five games is 3-2.
The Illinois Fighting Illini Are Coming Off A Win
Illinois has been fantastic at home this season, going 10-2 with an average scoring margin of +16.5 points per game. They have been favored in 13 of their 17 games, going 11-2 in those contests.
Last time out, the Fighting Illini defeated Michigan by a score of 88-73. Over their last 10 games at home, Illinois has gone 8-2.
As the favorite this season, the Fighting Illini have gone 6-6-1 vs. the spread. In their last 10 games as the favorite, Illinois has a mark of 6-3-1 ATS.
On the season, the over/under record for Illinois games sits at 10-7. So far, the average scoring total in their games is 149.8 points compared to an average over/under line of 146.8. Today’s line of 143.5 is lower than the average over/under line in their games. In their last three games, the over/under record is 2-1 with an average scoring total of 147 points.
Rutgers Offense Breakdown
Rutgers’ offense is coming off a strong performance, scoring 87 points against Nebraska. They had an overall field goal percentage of 38.5% and made 16/30 free throws. The top scorer for the Scarlet Knights was Aundre Hyatt with 17 points, while Mawot Mag also chipped in with 16 points.
| Name | PPG | REB | AST |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aundre Hyatt (F) | 12.3 | 5.4 | 1.4 |
| Clifford Omoruyi (C) | 10.2 | 9.4 | 0.6 |
| Derek Simpson (G) | 9.7 | 3.2 | 3.1 |
Illinois Offense Breakdown
In their latest game, Illinois’ offense looked good, scoring 88 points against Michigan. They recorded an overall field goal percentage of 48.4% and made 22/30 free throws. Leading the team in scoring was Coleman Hawkins with 21 points. Quincy Guerrier also added 16 points for the Fighting Illini.
| Name | PPG | REB | AST |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marcus Domask (F) | 14.9 | 4.5 | 3.2 |
| Terrence Shannon Jr. (G) | 21.7 | 4.5 | 2.5 |
| Quincy Guerrier (F) | 11.4 | 7.7 | 0.2 |
Rutgers Team Defense
In the current season, the Rutgers defense has excelled, sitting 40th in the nation by allowing 65.4 points per game. In their most recent game, the Rutgers defense struggled to defend the three-point line, as Nebraska knocked down 11 three-pointers on their way to 82 points.
Illinois Team Defense
At present, the Fighting Illini’s defense is nationally ranked 82nd, allowing 67.8 points per game. So far, the Illinois defense is giving up an average of 9.1 offensive rebounds per game and are turning teams over 11 times per game (477th).
Scarlet Knights vs Fighting Illini Trends
- Through their last three road games, Rutgers has an ATS record of just 1-2. However, their overall record was 0-3 while averaging 68 points per game.
- Illinois has played well in their previous five home games, going 3-2 straight up. In this stretch, they averaged 83 points per game while allowing 74. The team also performed well vs the spread at 4-0-1.
- Looking back on the team’s last ten games as the underdog, the Scarlet Knights have a straight up record of 4-6. Their record vs the spread in these games was 6-4.
- As the betting favorite, the Fighting Illini have an ATS mark of just 6-3-1 in their last ten games. Illinois posted a straight up mark of 9-1 in these matchups.
Scarlet Knights vs Fighting Illini Prediction
For a pick on the point-spread in this Fighting Illini vs. Scarlet Knights matchup, our bet is to grab the Scarlet Knights at +13.5. Even though our projections have the Fighting Illini winning 75-69, we see the Scarlet Knights as the play on the point-spread.
As for the total, the line is currently sitting at 143.5 and our model has the Scarlet Knights and Fighting Illini finishing with a combined 144 points. Our pick is to take the over.
All odds are courtesy of Action247 Sportsbook. Good luck!!
* 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.
Last updated:January 21, 2024 Illinois Fighting Illini, Rutgers Scarlet Knights, Uncategorized