The Illinois Fighting Illini and Northwestern Wildcats meet Wednesday in the college basketball action at the Welsh-Ryan Arena. Here’s a Northwestern vs Illinois Prediction. This article will include a Northwestern vs Illinois Pick.
Illinois Fighting Illini Betting Preview
The Illinois Fighting Illini beat Iowa and Rutgers, and they play Minnesota next. Illinois has won 5 straight games.
The Illinois Fighting Illini are averaging 86 points on 47.7 percent shooting and allowing 67.5 points on 39.5 percent shooting. Keaton Wagler is averaging 15.7 points and 5.2 rebounds, while Kylan Boswell is averaging 14.7 points and 4.3 rebounds. Andrej Stojakovic is the third double-digit scorer and David Mirkovic is grabbing 8.6 rebounds. The Illinois Fighting Illini are shooting 34.8 percent from beyond the arc and 79.8 percent from the free throw line. The Illinois Fighting Illini are allowing 30.9 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 39.1 rebounds per game.
Northwestern Wildcats Betting Preview
The Northwestern Wildcats lost to Michigan State and Rutgers, and they play Nebraska next. Northwestern has lost 4 of its last 5 games.
The Northwestern Wildcats are averaging 79.2 points on 47.7 percent shooting and allowing 71.3 points on 41.6 percent shooting. Nick Martinelli is averaging 24.1 points and 6.8 rebounds, while Arrinten Page is averaging 14.1 points and 6.1 rebounds. Jayden Reid is the third double-digit scorer and Tre Singleton is grabbing 4.8 rebounds. The Northwestern Wildcats are shooting 30.9 percent from beyond the arc and 73.1 percent from the free throw line. The Northwestern Wildcats are allowing 29.2 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 30.3 rebounds per game.
Why the Northwestern Wildcats will win
- The home team has won each of the last seven games between Illinois and Northwestern.
- Illinois has lost each of its last three games at Welsh-Ryan Arena.
- Northwestern has won the first half in 12 of its last 13 games at Welsh-Ryan Arena.
Why the Illinois Fighting Illini will win
- Illinois has won each of its last 15 games against non-AP-ranked opponents.
- Northwestern has lost each of its last eight games against AP-ranked opponents.
- Illinois has won the first half in each of its last 15 games against non-AP-ranked opponents.
Total Points Facts
- Each of Northwestern’s last seven home night games against Conference opponents have produced a total of 152 or fewer points.
- Each of Illinois’ last five games have produced a total of 145 or fewer points.
Matchup/League Facts
- Northwestern ranks 1st among Division 1 teams for turnovers per game this season (8.4).
- Northwestern ranks 1st among Division 1 teams for assist to turnover ratio this season (2.18).
- Illinois ranks 365th among Division 1 teams for steals per game this season (3.8).
- Illinois ranks 1st among Division 1 teams for opponent free throws made per game this season (8.6).
Northwestern vs Illinois Prediction
Northwestern used to be a sneaky team to back in the underdog role as it would grind out competitive games. However, this season, Northwestern is struggling defensively and hasn’t looked good when stepping up in competition. Illinois is undefeated on the road and is a good team that relies on balance. Illinois has offensive depth with multiple players capable of scoring, while the size helps defensively and on the glass. Illinois has covered 6 of its last 8 games. These are two teams heading in different directions. I’ll lay the number with Illinois.