Fighting Illini vs. Wildcats Prediction
The Illinois Fighting Illini and the 21st-ranked host Arizona Wildcats are 2-0 and 1-0, respectively, in the opening week of the college basketball season. Which side will stay unbeaten when they clash tonight in Tucson?
Game Snapshot
713 Illinois Fighting Illini at 714 Arizona Wildcats
Sunday, November 10, 2019
McKale Center at 9PM ET
TV: PAC12 Network
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According to oddsmakers, the Wildcats are listed as a 7-point favorite on the spread line. The total is set at 143.5 points. As of Sunday afternoon, 68 percent of public bets are being placed on host Arizona. Check out our NCAA Basketball Public Betting Page for the latest info.
Illini down Grand Canyon
Illinois secured a 83-71 victory at Grand Canyon Friday night to improve to 2-0 on the season. The Fighting Illini outscored the hosts 42-34 in the second half to pull away. Kofi Cockburn paced Illinois with 23 points on 8-of-12 shooting plus 7-of-13 at the free throw line. He also pulled down 14 rebounds. Andres Feliz accounted for 21 points, six boards, four dimes and two steals. Alan Griffin added 11 points and three rebounds off the bench.
Wildcats blast Northern Arizona
Arizona rolled to a 91-52 home win Wednesday night over Northern Arizona in its season opener. The Wildcats doubled up the Lumberjacks 44-22 at halftime en route to the easy win. Zeke Nnaji paced Arizona with 20 points on 9-of-12 shooting plus 2-of-2 at the charity stripe. He also grabbed four rebounds. Stone Gettings had 13 points and three boards off the bench. Josh Green accounted for 10 points, six caroms, two assists and two steals. Dylan Smith added 10 points and three rebounds.
NCAA Basketball Betting Trends
Illinois
The Fighting Illini are 3-7 ATS in their last 10 non-conference games. Illinois is 5-17 ATS in its last 22 games following an ATS win.
Arizona
The Wildcats are 4-10 ATS in their last 14 games overall. Arizona is 7-3 ATS in its last 10 games versus the Big Ten Conference.
Prediction:
This appears to be a much improved Illinois team this season and while the Wildcats should be pretty good as well, I like this to stay competitive throughout. Arizona might win, but look for the Illini to make a statement that it has a shot at being an NCAA Tournament-quality team this season as a strong showing here would open up eyes in the very early portion of the season.
NCAA DAILY PREDICTION: ILLINOIS FIGHTING ILLINI +7