The No. 5 Michigan Wolverines (8-1, 1-0 Big 10) head to Illinois to take on the Fighting Illini (6-3, 0-1 Big 10) in a game that has the potential to be high-scoring. The game starts at 9 p.m. ET on Wednesday, December 11, 2019.
Michigan Wolverines vs. Illinois Fighting Illini Free Prediction
The Wolverines will be looking for similar success after beating the Iowa Hawkeyes in their last game, 103-91. The Wolverines made 29 of their 34 free throws (85.3 percent) and had an effective field goal percentage of 0.638 (above their season average of 0.574). Michigan was led by Zavier Simpson, who had 16 points, seven assists and six rebounds.
The last time the Fighting Illini played, they dropped a tough one against the No. 3 Maryland Terrapins, 59-58. Maryland’s turnover percentage was their biggest strength over Illinois. The Terrapins had a rate of 14.0 (worse than their season average of 13.6), while the Fighting Illini posted a mark of 17.1. Illinois’ Andres Feliz put up 11 points and five rebounds in the game.
It might turn into a high-scoring affair as a pair of the nation’s premier offenses square off. Since the 2018-19 season, Illinois ranks 11th with 105.2 points per 100 possessions and Michigan is 32nd (108.9). Also, the Wolverines rank 277th in offensive rebounding percentage (24.7 percent), while the Fighting Illini rank 32nd in defensive rebounding percentage (70.2 percent).
The Wolverines won the sole contest against the Fighting Illini last season, 79-69. The Wolverines knocked down 18 of their 22 free throws (81.8 percent) and had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (28.6 vs. 15.2).
Michigan Wolverines vs. Illinois Fighting Illini Free Pick
College Basketball Pick: ATS Winner – Michigan, O/U – Over
Betting Trends
Michigan ranks fourth in three pointers allowed per game (16.8) while Illinois ranks 186th (20.5).
The Wolverines rank 18th in blocks per game (4.3) while the Fighting Illini rank 173rd (2.5).
Illinois averages 35.2 rebounds per game, which ranks second in the NCAA. Michigan ranks 144th in rebounds allowed per game (34.5).
The Wolverines rank 14th in assists per game (14.4) while the Fighting Illini rank 83rd in assists allowed per game (13.3).
Michigan ranks 190th in steals per game (5.9) while Illinois ranks 193rd in steals allowed per game (6.3).
