The No. 19 Illinois Fighting Illini (15-5, 7-2 Big 10) put their six-game winning streak on the line when they clash with the Minnesota Golden Gophers (11-9, 5-5 Big 10) at State Farm Center. The game is scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m. ET on Thursday, January 30, 2020.
Minnesota Golden Gophers vs. Illinois Fighting Illini ATS Prediction
In the Golden Gophers’ last game, they were thoroughly outplayed by the No. 11 Michigan State Spartans, 70-52. Michigan State’s effective field goal percentage was their largest strength over Minnesota. The Spartans had a rate of 0.536 (above their season average of 0.525), while the Golden Gophers posted a mark of 0.325 (below their season average of 0.502). Marcus Carr had a good performance for Minnesota, finishing with 11 points, seven rebounds and six assists.
The Fighting Illini edged the Michigan Wolverines in their last outing, 64-62. Illinois’ 0.481 effective field goal percentage was their largest strength over Michigan, who had a rate of 0.424. The Fighting Illini’s mark was below their season average of 0.513, while the Wolverines’ was below their season average of 0.541. Ayo Dosunmu was the top scorer from either team with 27 points on 11-for-18 shooting from the field.
Illinois appears to have the edge on the offensive side of the ball. The Fighting Illini rank 37th in offensive efficiency, while the Golden Gophers rank 169th in defensive efficiency.
After splitting two games last season, these teams will meet for the first time this year. In the last contest, the Golden Gophers won 86-75. The Golden Gophers knocked down 20 of their 26 free throws (76.9 percent) and had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (35.5 vs. 29.4).
Minnesota Golden Gophers vs. Illinois Fighting Illini Betting Pick
Pick:ย ย ATS Winner – Minnesota, O/U – Over
Betting Trends
Minnesota ranks 62nd in three pointers attempted per game (24.9) while Illinois ranks 261st (17.6).
The Fighting Illini rank 18th in rebounds per game (40.5) while the Golden Gophers rank 150th in rebounds allowed per game (35.3).
Minnesota ranks 27th in blocks per game (4.8) while Illinois ranks 131st (3.0).
The Fighting Illini rank 42nd in assists allowed per game (10.7) while the Golden Gophers rank 138th (12.8).
Minnesota ranks 211th in steals per game (5.2) while Illinois ranks 234th (4.7).
The Golden Gophers have been outscored by an average of 1.8 points in their last five games. For the season, Minnesota has defeated opponents by an average of 4.7 points.
During their last five games, the Fighting Illini have scored an average of 68.6 points per game (6.8 below their season average) and allowed an average of 63.2 points per game (1.3 below their season average).
