Purdue Boilermakers vs Illinois Fighting Illini Betting Pick & Prediction 3/5/24
Making on a bet on this NCAA game featuring the Boilermakers versus the Fighting Illini? Tip off is at at 7:00 ET, and you can watch it all unfold on PEAC. The game will be played at State Farm Center in Champaign, IL. The over/under line for this matchup is currently at 164.5 points, and Illinois is favored by -2 to win at home against Purdue.
PURDUE BOILERMAKERS VS ILLINOIS FIGHTING ILLINI BETTING PICK
The Pick: Illinois Fighting Illini -2
This game will be played at State Farm Center at 7:00 ET on Tuesday, March 5th.
WHY BET THE ILLINOIS FIGHTING ILLINI:
- We have this one finishing with a projected score of 76-69 in favor of the Fighting Illini.
- Not only will Illinois pick up the win, but look for them to cover at -2.
- The over/under is currently sitting at 164.5 points, and we like the under with a projected 145 points.
Can the Boilermakers Pull Off a Win at Champaign?
Despite being the underdog, Purdue has been excellent on the road this season, going 8-3 with an average scoring margin of +5.5 points per game. Over their last 10 road games, they’ve gone 7-3.
Overall, the Boilermakers are 26-3, and they’ve won three straight games. Their last game was an 80-74 win over Michigan State.
As the underdog this season, Purdue has a 1-0 record vs. the spread. Over their last 10 games as the underdog, the Boilermakers have gone 7-3 vs. the spread. On the road, Purdue has an ATS mark of 5-5-1 this year and they are 4-5-1 vs. the spread in their last 10 road games.
This season, the over/under record in Purdue games is 19-9-1, and today’s over/under line of 164.5 is higher than the average over/under line in their games (147.8). Over their last three games, the over/under record is 3-0, and the average scoring total in those games is 158 points.
In their latest game, Purdue offense put up 80 points against Michigan State. They recorded an overall field goal percentage of 51% and made 10 threes. Zach Edey is leading the team in scoring at 24 points per contest. Braden Smith has also been a key contributor with a PPG average of 13.1 going into the game.
At present, the Boilermakers’ defense is nationally ranked 117th, allowing 70.2 points per game. In terms of field goal percentage allowed, Purdue’s defense has allowed opponents to shoot 41.9% from the field, including a three-point shooting percentage allowed of 32.7% this season.
Is a Home Win Possible for the Fighting Illini?
Illinois will look to extend their three-game win streak when they host Purdue. The Fighting Illini have gone 16-2 at home this season, and they are favored by two points in this one. So far, Illinois has been favored in 23 of their 29 games, and they have gone 19-4 in those contests.
Over their last 10 games at home, Illinois has gone 9-1, and they are coming off a 91-83 win over Wisconsin. On the season, they have gone 22-7, including a 13-5 record in Big Ten play.
As the favorite this season, Illinois has gone 11-11-1 against the spread. Over their last three home games, the Fighting Illini are 2-1 vs. the spread and 5-5 in their last 10 as the favorite.
Today’s over/under line of 164.5 is higher than the average over/under line in Illinois’ games this season (148.6). So far, 16 of their games have finished with more points than today’s line. Over their last three games, the average scoring total is 185 points and their over/under record over their last 10 games is 9-1.
Illinois’ offense is coming off a good game, putting up 91 points vs. Wisconsin. Overall, they hit 51.8% of their shots from the field and went 24/30 from the free-throw line. Marcus Domask led the scoring for the Fighting Illini, contributing 31 points. Additionally, Terrence Shannon Jr. chipped in with 23 points.
The Fighting Illini’s defense is presently ranked 200th nationally, allowing an average of 73.2 points per contest. Against Wisconsin in their most recent game, the Illinois defense gave up a total of 83 points while allowing Wisconsin to hit 50% of their shots.