Brad Underwood’s team may have liked what they saw in the mirror a little too much following beating Texas in early December.
At that point, the Fighting Illini were 7-2 and ranked in the top 25, but they quickly fell back to earth with losses to three straight Power 5 opponents, Penn State, Missouri and Northwestern.
The 73-60 loss at Northwestern was the team’s lowest point, and Underwood had to impress on his team that they’ve since gone 4-0 with an average winning margin of 13.25 points. The Fighting Illini are 13-5 and 4-3 in the Big 10, a few spots ahead of Indiana 11-6 (2-4).
The Hoosiers beat Wisconsin last time out, but they’re still a big loser on the road tonight.
Odds, spreads and total for Indiana vs Illinois
Indiana vs Illinois: Predictions and Player Picks
Last Saturday, Trayce Jackson-Davis took over Wisconsin and led the Hoosiers to victory with 18 points, 12 rebounds and four assists. He needs to play this way every game for IU to improve and become the Big 10 threat everyone thought she would be this year.
What might be worrisome for Illinois is that the last time they faced an offense that played mostly through the post, Stephen Crowl had 20 points and 12 rebounds for Wisconsin.
The Fighting Illini finally won this match, but will Dain Dainja be able to overpower Jackson-Davis at the low post? I’m not so sure.
Even if Jackson-Davis leaves, I don’t think it will count.
Illinois has found a balance offensively.
The last game, his leading scorer, Terrance Shannon Jr. scored 11 points, Matthew Mayer 19, Dainja 11 and Coleman Hawkins, perhaps the Fighting Illini’s best all-rounder, scored just three points.
They are 67th in offensive efficiency, but over their last three games they would rank 12th.
The Underwood team is 4-0 ATS in its last four games and 7-2 ATS in its last nine home games. There is value on the favorite in this game even with a 6.5 gap.
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The odds of the games are updated periodically and are subject to change.