The highly anticipated college basketball matchup between the No. 5 UConn Huskies and No. 13 Illinois Fighting Illini is set to take place on November 27, 2023, at 12:30 PM ET, in the iconic Madison Square Garden. Both teams enter this contest with only one loss so far this season, making it a compelling out-of-conference showdown.
UConn’s sole defeat came against Arizona, while Illinois fell short against Alabama, with both losses occurring by just four points. As the teams prepare to face off, bettors are closely examining the odds and trends surrounding each program.
Current Odds and Betting Trends
According to FanDuel Sportsbook, the odds for the game are as follows:
– **Spread**: UConn -2.5 (-105), Illinois +2.5 (-115)
– **Moneyline**: UConn -144, Illinois +120
– **Total**: OVER 154.5 (-115), UNDER 154.5 (-105)
Recent trends may influence betting decisions. UConn has struggled against the spread, going 1-5 in its last six games. The UNDER has been a common outcome in their recent performances, hitting in 10 of their last 13 contests. Similarly, Illinois has seen the UNDER prevail in five consecutive games, and is 1-4 against the spread as an underdog in its last five matches.
Key Player to Watch
One player to keep an eye on is Andrej Stojakovic of Illinois. The guard, who transferred from California, has made an immediate impact for the Fighting Illini, averaging 18.5 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game. Stojakovic is shooting an impressive 58.8% from the field, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure. His standout performances against tough opponents, including 23 points against Texas Tech and 26 points against Alabama, highlight his potential to influence the outcome of this game.
Analysis and Prediction
The matchup pits two closely ranked teams against one another, with UConn and Illinois sitting at 13th and 14th, respectively, in the KenPom rankings for net rating. Their effective field goal percentages are also similar, with UConn ranked 30th and Illinois 32nd. The primary advantage for Illinois lies in its efficiency, particularly in minimizing turnovers and capitalizing on offensive rebounds. The Fighting Illini rank sixth in effective possession ratio, while UConn is significantly lower at 70th.
Given these factors, betting on Illinois to cover the points may be a prudent choice in what promises to be a tightly contested game. The recommended pick is Illinois +2.5 (-115) as they look to secure an upset against a formidable opponent.
As the game approaches, fans and bettors alike are eager to see how this thrilling matchup unfolds. For those placing bets, it is advisable to consider the trends and statistics carefully, as they provide insight into what could be a pivotal game in both teams’ seasons. Those interested in betting can create a new account with FanDuel Sportsbook and receive $150 in bonus bets with a first wager of just $5.
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