The Nebraska Cornhuskers (7-19, 2-13 Big 10) will try to snap their 11-game losing streak when they square off against the Illinois Fighting Illini (17-9, 9-6 Big 10) at State Farm Center. The game starts at 8 p.m. ET on Monday, February 24, 2020.
Nebraska Cornhuskers at Illinois Fighting Illini ATS Prediction
The Cornhuskers are trying to rebound after their 86-65 loss to the Michigan State Spartans in their last contest. Michigan State’s rebounding was their largest advantage. The Spartans had 16 offensive rebounds and 51 total rebounds, while the Cornhuskers had nine and 26, respectively. Dachon Burke Jr. was Nebraska’s high scorer with 21 points on 7-for-15 shooting.
In the Fighting Illini’s previous matchup, they defeated the No. 9 Penn State Nittany Lions, 62-56. The Fighting Illini held the Nittany Lions to an offensive rebounding percentage of 23.7 (below their season average of 29.6) and an effective field goal percentage of 0.397 (below their season average of 0.513). Ayo Dosunmu was the top scorer from either team with 24 points on 9-for-15 shooting from the field.
After splitting two games last season, these teams will battle for the first time this year. In the most recent contest, the Fighting Illini won 71-64. Illinois had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.554 vs. 0.379). Nebraska, meanwhile, had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (42.9 vs. 21.6).
The offensive glass should be a major edge for Illinois in this showdown. The Fighting Illini currently rank eighth in offensive rebounding percentage (36.3 percent), while Nebraska ranks 340th in defensive rebounding percentage (66.4 percent). The Cornhuskers should be expected to protect the ball well. They rank 9th at avoiding errors (turnover percentage of 15.4 percent), while the Fighting Illini force the 64th-fewest turnovers in the country (opponents’ turnover percentage of 17.5 percent).
Nebraska Cornhuskers at Illinois Fighting Illini Betting Pick
Free College Basketball Pick:ย ย ATS Winner – Nebraska, O/U – Over
Betting Trends
Illinois averages 40.1 rebounds per game, which ranks 16th in the nation. Nebraska ranks 287th in rebounds allowed per game (45.2).
The Cornhuskers rank 43rd in three pointers attempted per game (25.7) while the Fighting Illini rank 281st (17.9).
Illinois ranks 54th in assists allowed per game (11.2) while Nebraska ranks 247th (15.2).
The Cornhuskers rank 107th in steals per game (6.7) while the Fighting Illini rank 231st (4.9).
Illinois averages 2.8 blocks per game, which ranks 159th in the NCAA. Nebraska ranks 185th in blocks allowed per game (4.7).
The Cornhuskersโ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 15.2, up from 5.6 for the season.
During their last five games, the Fighting Illini have scored an average of 63.8 points per game (8.7 below their season average) and allowed an average of 69.0 points per game (4.2 above their season average).