Illinois Fighting Illini (20-6) vs Rutgers Scarlet Knights (15-10)
Game Info: Friday, March 12, 2021 at 6:30 pm (Lucas Oil Stadium)
Betting Odds: Illinois Fighting Illini -7.5 -- Over/Under: 138.5 Click Here for the Latest Odds
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The Rutgers Scarlet Knights and Illinois FIghting Illini face off on Friday in a Big Ten college basketball showdown at Lucas Oil Stadium.
The Rutgers Scarlet Knights got a much needed win on Thursday and may have guaranteed themselves a spot in the NCAA tournament. Rutgers have won two games in a row and on Thursday against the Indiana Hoosiers it was the defense that was the difference giving up 50 points total. Rutgers on the season is averaging 70 points per game while their defense is giving up 67.4 points per game. Rutgers is shooting 45 percent from the field and 31.4 percent from behind the three point line. Ron Harper Jr has been the best player for Rutgers and coming into this game he is averaging 15.3 points while shooting 45.6 percent from behind the three point line.
The Illinois Fighting Illini come into this game with a 20-6 record overall and coming into this game they have won four games in a row. Two games ago against MIchigan, the defense locked down giving up only 53 points and that led to a 23 point victory. Illinois on the season is averaging 80.7 points per game while their defense is giving up 68.5 points per game. Illinois is shooting 50 percent from the field and 38.7 percent from behind the three point line. Ayo Dosunmu has missed some time with a facial injury but he is expected to be back for this game. On the season,he is averaging 20.9 points while shooting 49.2 percent from the field and 40 percent from behind the three-point line.
Rutgers defense looked good on Thursday and that is going to be what keeps them in this game. Look for Rutgers to slow down the pace, Back Rutgers against the spread. In terms of the total it's a lean to the under with the Rutgers defense, but the stronger play is on the side.