The No. 18 Iowa Hawkeyes (15-6, 6-4 Big 10) welcome the No. 19 Illinois Fighting Illini (16-5, 8-2 Big 10) in a matchup that pits great offense against stifling defense. The game starts at 1 p.m. ET on Sunday, February 2, 2020.
Illinois Fighting Illini at Iowa Hawkeyes Free Prediction
The last time the Fighting Illini played, they defeated the Minnesota Golden Gophers, 59-51. The Fighting Illini held the Golden Gophers to an offensive rebounding percentage of 20.0 (below their season average of 32.3) and had a turnover percentage of 10.3 (better than their season average of 16.2). Kofi Cockburn had a solid performance for Illinois, recording 13 points and 10 rebounds.
The Hawkeyes fell to the No. 15 Maryland Terrapins in their last contest, 82-72. Maryland was effective at getting and making free throws. The Terrapins made 23 of their 26 free throws (88.5 percent), while the Hawkeyes were 14-17 (82.4 percent). With 21 points on 9-for-19 shooting, Luka Garza led Iowa in scoring.
The game should be a battle of strength against strength as the prolific offense of Iowa takes on the elite defense of Illinois. The Hawkeyes rank 14th in offensive efficiency, while the Fighting Illini are 49th in defensive efficiency.
After the Hawkeyes won both games against the Fighting Illini last season, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. In the most recent game, Iowa won 83-62. The Hawkeyes knocked down nine of their 11 free throws (81.8 percent) and had a much better turnover percentage (11.0 vs. 22.5).
Illinois Fighting Illini at Iowa Hawkeyes Odds Pick
Basketball Tip:ย ATS Winner – Iowa, O/U – Under
Betting Trends
Illinois averages 40.7 rebounds per game, which ranks 18th in the country. Iowa ranks 122nd in rebounds allowed per game (34.6).
The Fighting Illini’s average margin of victory in their last five games has been 6.8, down from 10.8 for the season.
During their last five games, the Hawkeyes have scored an average of 78.0 points per game (1.2 below their season average) and allowed an average of 73.8 points per game (3.4 above their season average).