| MATCHUP | Eagles Florida Gulf Coast | Fighting Illini Illinois |
|---|---|---|
| Team Records | 1-0 | 1-0 |
| Where | State Farm Center, Champaign, IL | |
| When | Friday, November 7, 2025 | |
| Time | 08:30 PM EST | |
| TV | Peacock | |
Florida Gulf Coast Eagles Betting Preview
The Florida Gulf Coast Eagles beat New College, and they play Georgia Southern and Chattanooga next.
The Florida Gulf Coast Eagles are averaging 96 points on 40.7 percent shooting and allowing 60 points on 39.6 percent shooting. Rahmir Barno is averaging 14 points and 3 rebounds, while Rory Stewart is averaging 11 points and 1 assist. George Washington III is the third double-digit scorer, and Tristen Guillouette is grabbing 8 rebounds. The Florida Gulf Coast Eagles are shooting 23.3 percent from beyond the arc and 66.7 percent from the free-throw line. The Florida Gulf Coast Eagles are allowing 33.3 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 59 rebounds per game.
Illinois Fighting Illini Betting Preview
The Illinois Fighting Illini beat Jackson State, and they play Texas Tech and Colgate next. Illinois has won 5 of its last 6 games.
The Illinois Fighting Illini are averaging 113 points on 54.8 percent shooting and allowing 55 points on 30.6 percent shooting. Ben Humrichous is averaging 15 points and 5 rebounds, while Tomislav Ivisic is averaging 21 points and 4 rebounds. David Mirkovic is the third double-digit scorer and Keaton Wagler is grabbing 6 rebounds. The Illinois Fighting Illini are shooting 45.9 percent from beyond the arc and 66.7 percent from the free throw line. The Illinois Fighting Illini are allowing 24.1 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 60 rebounds per game.
Why the Illinois Fighting Illini will win
- Illinois has won 21 of its last 22 night games against non-Conference opponents at State Farm Center.
- Florida Gulf Coast has lost 10 of its last 11 night games against AP-ranked opponents.
- Florida Gulf Coast has lost the first half in 10 of its last 11 night games against AP-ranked opponents.
Matchup/League Facts
- Illinois ranks 7th for opponent rebounds per game (30.5) in last season’s NCAA Tournament.
- Illinois ranks T8th for three-pointers made per game (10.5) in last season’s NCAA Tournament.
Florida Gulf Coast vs Illinois Prediction
There’s a potential look ahead spot for Illinois with a top-10 team on deck in Texas Tech, but that’s about the only reason to be hesitant in this spot. Illinois has a massive size advantage over Florida Gulf Coast and should feast on the glass at both ends. Florida Gulf Coast is small and lacks depth in the front court, and that’s not ideal when going up against two seven footers who get considerable playing time. There’s a gap in physical play between these two teams. Give me Illinois in a comfortable home victory.