MICHIGAN WOLVERINES (-5.5) VS ILLINOIS FIGHTING ILLINI
This game is scheduled to tip off at 6PM EST at Assembly Hall, while being broadcasted on the Big-10 network. Illinois (15-5) is looking to earn back-to-back victories for the first time in 2013, while Michigan (18-1) is aiming to become the #1 ranked team in the country.
With how the Wolverines have been playing as of late, combined with Illinois recent struggles, it is hard to believe the Illini will cover this spread. Michigan is playing like the best team in college basketball right now. They have Trey Burke, who is one of the best players in the country averaging 17.8 PPG and 7.2 APG, while Tim Hardaway Jr isn’t far behind putting up 16.2 PPG. These two guys are probably the best tandem in basketball, Illinois will have their hands full trying to shut these two down.
It will take great defense for the Illini to compete in this contest. Michigan has only one loss this season, it was against Ohio State, and because they limited them too 53 points. Also their lowest scoring total all season. Michigan is averaging 78.7 PPG (10th in the nation) and can hurt you with either their fast break, or from beyond the ark. They are shooting 41.1% from 3-point land, 2nd best in the country.
As for Michigan’s defense, they are 37th in the nation allowing an average of 59.2 points per game. This is something that Illinois will struggle with, they haven’t faired well against good defense teams this year. All five of their losses have come against teams that defensively are allowing less than 65 points per game. That trend should continue here.
It won’t take a knockout performance for the Wolverines to beat Illinois at home. After starting the season 12-0 they have stumbled losing 5 of their last 8. Not to mention they have yet to face a team of Michigan’s stature.
Expect it to only get worse for Illinois after this game, their schedule doesn’t get any easier. In games following Michigan they play Michigan State, Wisconsin, Indiana and Minnesota. This could be where it all comes unglued for the Fighting Illini.
TRENDS
MICHIGAN
- 50-28 against the spread in all lined games the last 3 seasons
- 10-5 as a favourite against the spread this season
- 42-23 against the spread when playing a team with a winning record the last 3 seasons
- 5-3 against the spread this season after allowing 60 points or less
- 1-4 against the spread in their last 5 games facing Michigan
- 4-9 against the spread this season versus good defensive teams allowing 64 points or less
- 5-10 against the spread off a win against a conference rival the last 3 seasons