Fighting Illini vs. Hawkeyes Prediction
The 23rd-ranked Iowa Hawkeyes come into today’s home tilt versus the Illinois Fighting Illini on a four-game winning streak. Is Iowa going to post another victory this afternoon and also cover the spread?
Game Snapshot
821 Illinois Fighting Illini at Iowa Hawkeyes
Sunday, January 20, 2019
Carver-Hawkeye Arena at 1PM ET
TV: 1PM ET
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Public Betting Information
According to oddsmakers at BetNow.eu, the Hawkeyes are an 8-point favorite on the spread line. The over-under is set at 156.5 points. As of Sunday morning, 70 percent of public bets are being placed on host Iowa. Check out our College Basketball Public Betting Page for the latest information.
Illini snaps five-game skid
Illinois improved to 5-12 on the season and 1-5 in the Big Ten Conference Wednesday night with a 95-68 home victory over Minnesota. The Fighting Illini jumped out to a 51-28 advantage at halftime en route to the blowout win. Ayo Dosunmu paced Illinois with 23 points on 9-of-13 shooting including 3-of-4 on 3-point attempts plus 2-of-3 at the free throw line. He also tallied four rebounds, four assists and two steals. Giorgi Bezhanishvili contributed 20 points and eight boards. Trent Frazier registered 15 points and two caroms. Andres Feliz added 10 points, three boards, two assists and two boards off the bench. Illinois shot 37-of-66 from the floor, 8-of-16 on 3-point tries and 13-of-15 at the free throw line.
Hawkeyes win without top scorer
Iowa leading scorer Tyler Cook missed Wednesday night’s contest, but the Hawkeyes still managed to win 89-82 at Penn State. Cook is doubtful to play in today’s game. Luka Garza led the way for Iowa with 22 points on 9-of-17 shooting plus 4-of-5 on the free throw line. He also brought down 12 rebounds. Jordan Bohannon tallied 19 points, six assists and three caroms. Ryan Kriener accounted for 15 points, five assists, three rebounds and two steals. Isaiah Moss had 12 points and two assists. Joe Wieskamp added 10 points, seven boards and two steals. The Hawkeyes outscored the Nittany Lions 49-37 in the second half to offset a sluggish first half.
College Basketball Betting Trends
Illinois
The Fighting Illini are 9-4-3 ATS in their last 16 games following a straight up win by 20 or more points. Illinois is 1-6 ATS in its last seven games following an ATS win.
Prediction:
The Hawkeyes are on a roll and are now playing an Illinois team weaker than any of their four previous opponents. While the Illini were outstanding in their last contest, that won’t be sustainable against an Iowa team that is 11th nationally in adjusted offensive efficiency. Look for the Hawkeyes to continue their strong stretch and take advantage of an overmatched Illini squad.
NCAA DAILY PREDICTION: IOWA HAWKEYES -8