The Illinois Fighting Illini and Rutgers Scarlet Knights face off on Saturday in a college basketball showdown at The RAC. Let’s look at the betting matchup and give a free Illinois vs. Rutgers prediction.

Illinois Looks for Fourth Straight Win

Illinois has won three games in a row and in the last game against Western Illinois, they dominated. The offense scored 84 points and that led to the 32-point victory. Terrence Shannon Jr had a strong game putting up 19 points, two rebounds, and one assist. Illinois on the season is averaging 77.8 points while the defense is giving up 58.7 points per game. The defense has been the strength and is ranked 8th. Terrence Shannon Jr is averaging 19.5 points while shooting 49.3 percent from the field and 43.9 percent from behind the three-point line. 

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Is Rutgers a Tournament Team?

Rutgers hopes to be a tournament team and they have played well heading into this game. Rutgers last game faced against Saint Peter’s and the defense gave up 40 points and that led to the 31-point victory. Noah Fernandes was the top player for Rutgers putting up 19 points, four rebounds, and three assists. Rutgers on the season is averaging 70.5 points while their defense is giving up 55.5 points per game. The offense is ranked 263rd while the defense is ranked 3rd. Aundre Hyatt is having a strong season averaging 12 points while shooting 35.6 percent from the field and 31.3 percent from behind the three-point line. Both Illinois and Rutgers recorded five wins so far, the same as their conference rivals Iowa, Minnesota, and Wisconsin.

Illinois vs Rutgers Betting Prediction 

These are two elite defensive teams and it’s going to be no different here. Illinois is giving up only 58.7 points while Rutgers is giving up only 55.5 points per game. Look for both defenses to really step up here and that is going to be the difference here. There isn’t a strong play on the side, but this game is going to be lower scoring, and this game is going to stay under the total. Back the under.