Denver vs Western Illinois 12/20/21 College Basketball Picks, Predictions, Odds
Western Illinois Leathernecks (9-2) vs. Denver Pioneers (4-9)
December 20, 2021 9:00 pm EDT
The Line: Denver Pioneers +8 ; Over/Under: 140.5
(Get latest betting odds)
The Western Illinois Leathernecks and the Denver Pioneers meet Monday in college basketball action from Hamilton Gymnasium. Western Illinois is 10-2 on the year so far. The Leathernecks took out Eastern Illinois in their last game. As for Denver, they’re 4-9 this season and coming off a win over UC San Diego. Check back all season long for free college basketball picks at Sports Chat Place.
Western Illinois went 4-2 over their first half-dozen games this year, taking out Nebraska, Culver-Stockton, Iowa Wesleyan and Northern Kentucky. It’s been a 5-0 run since with wins over Miami-OH, Ball State, TN-Martin, Central Michigan and Eastern Illinois.
In Saturday’s game versus Eastern Illinois, the Leathernecks managed a 10-point advantage at halftime and ultimately came out on top 71-54. Will Carius was the lead scorer on 25 points with two assists, and Trenton Massner added 18 points as well.
Over on the Denver side, they started the year at 3-3 with wins over Regis CO, IUPUI and Houston Baptist. The Pioneers then lost to Air Force, Utah Valley, Wyoming, Texas State, New Mexico and Dixie State before taking out UC San Diego last Wednesday.
Matched up against UC San Diego, the Pioneers posted a 24-20 edge in the first half and a 40-36 run from there in a 64-56 win. KJ Hunt was the lead scorer with 24 points and five rebounds. Touko Tainamo added 12 points and nine boards.
The Pioneers are 4-0 ATS in their last four at home and 7-2 ATS in their last nine overall. The under is 4-1 in Denver’s last five Monday games.
Meanwhile, the Leathernecks are 4-1 ATS in their last five road games and 4-1 ATS in their last five overall. The under is 5-2 in Western Illinois’ last seven overall.
PICK: I’m sticking with Western Illinois. The Leathernecks have looked pretty darn good over this five-game win streak. They’ve hit 71 or more points in each of those outings. Western Illinois has been competitive all year; each of their losses was by only four points.
As for Denver, they got a much-needed win in their last game but it’s been a rough ride so far. The Pioneers have scored more than 68 points just twice this season, and if Western Illinois gets going I don’t see Denver keeping up.
