The Illinois Fighting Illini and Missouri Tigers face off on Friday in a college basketball showdown at the Enterprise Center. Let’s look at the betting matchup and give a free Illinois vs Missouri prediction

How Good is This Illinois Team?

Illinois has found a lot of success this season but a couple of games have made some question what their ceiling is. Two games ago against Tennessee, the offense scored 79 points but the defense gave up 86 points and that led to the defeat. In the last game against Colgate, Illinois gave up only 57 points and they ended up winning by 17 points. There were four different players that finished at least 14 points. Illinois is averaging 79.4 points while their defense is giving up 64.2 points per game. Terrence Shannon Jr. is averaging 20.9 points while shooting 50 percent from the field and 41.5 percent from behind the three point line. Illinois is 8-2 in the Big Ten with the same number of wins as Wisconsin.

How Can Missouri Bounce Back? 

Missouri has been up and down this season and they really struggled in the last game. Missouri faced off against Seton Hall in the last game and the offense scored 87 points but the defense gave up 93 points and they ended up losing by six points. Tamar Bates had a strong game putting up 22 points, two rebounds, and one assist. Missouri on the season is averaging 75.5 points while their defense is giving up 70.1 points per game. Sean East II has been the top player for Missouri averaging 17.1 points per game while shooting 56.6 percent from the field and 60.7 percent from behind the three point line. Missouri is 7-4 in the SEC with the same record as Texas A&M.

Illinois vs Missouri Betting Prediction

Illinois is going to find success with the offense. They are averaging 79.4 points and they are going to have no issue running up the score against a Missouri defense that has had his issues this season. Missouri is averaging 75.5 points but they are going to struggle to get the offense going against Illinois. Missouri isn’t going to have the offense to keep this game close, and that will be the difference as Illinois is going to get the job done. Back Illinois to win this game and cover the spread.