Illinois Fighting Illini (2-0) vs Marquette Golden Eagles (2-0)
Game Info: Tuesday, November 14, 2023 at 8:00 pm (State Farm Center)
Betting Odds: Illinois Fighting Illini -1.5 -- Over/Under: 146.5 Click Here for the Latest Odds
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The Marquette Golden Eagles will play the Illinois Fighting Illini in a non-conference game on Tuesday night at the State Farm Center in Champaign, Illinois. Marquette is ranked #4 in the nation and is 2-0, while Illinois is also 2-0 and ranked #23.
Marquette Preview
The Marquette Golden Eagles are 2-0 this season after they defeated Rider by a score of 95-65 in their last game. Marquette scored 49 points in the first half and 46 points in the second half for the easy win. The Golden Eagles shot 54.8% from the field and made 13 three pointers in the win. Marquette defeated Northern Illinois by a score of 92-70 in their season opener. Marquette is scoring 93.5 points per game with 39 rebounds per game and 21.5 assists per game, while allowing 67.5 points against per game this season. Kam Jones has led the Golden Eagles with 21.5 points per game, 4.5 rebounds per game, and 4.0 assists per game. Marquette is shooting 53.5% from the field, 64.3% on free throws, and 40% on three pointers this year.
Illinois Preview
The Illinois Fighting Illini are 2-0 this year after they defeated Oakland by a score of 64-53 in their last game. Illinois only led 28-27 at halftime, but they out scored Oakland by a total of 36-26 in the second half for the win. The Fighting Illini shot 47.3% from the field, but only 50% on free throws in the game. Illinois defeated Eastern Illinois by a score of 80-52 in their first game of the year. Illinois is scoring 72 points per game with 43 rebounds per game and 14 assists per game, while giving up 52.5 points against per game this season. Terrence Shannon Jr. is averaging 15.5 points per game, 3.5 rebounds per game, and 3.0 assists per game. Illinois is shooting 48.7% from the field, 51.3% on free throws, and 29.2% on three pointers this season.
Pick
Marquette comes into this matchup as a top-5 team in the country and they have scored 95 and 92 points in their first games. The Golden Eagles are shooting 53.5% from the field and averaging over 21 assists per game. Illinois struggled a little bit with Oakland in their last game, but their defense has been very tough through two games. Both of these teams have a star player, so it will be fun to watch who is able to take the game over. I know Illinois will have the home court advantage, but I am taking Marquette in this game. The Golden Eagles are too good offensively and will make more plays down the stretch. Take Marquette here.
David’s Pick Marquette +1.5
AUTHOR: David Racey
Mitch's Take...
