Illinois Fighting Illini (3-0) vs. Alabama Crimson Tide (3-1)
Illinois Fighting Illini vs. Alabama Crimson Tide November 20 2024 – The most awaited day is fast approaching as Illinois Fighting Illini who are undefeated will go up against the Alabama Crimson Tide with a decent season record of 3-1. This NCAA Men’s Basketball tournament is bound to electrify the Legacy Arena. It is one of those few matches fans watch to witness the best basketball the college level offers. This match will be the first challenge for the two teams in terms of their forms in the opening and thus may give an insight into the future which is certainly tough.
Illinois Fighting Illini vs. Alabama Crimson Tide November 20 2024 Game Info
| When: | Wednesday, November 20, 2024 at 9:00 PM ET |
| Where: | Legacy Arena |
| TV: | SECN |
| Stream: | Sofascore |
Illinois Fighting Illini vs. Alabama Crimson Tide Betting Odds
| Team | Moneyline | Spread | Total |
| Illinois | +280 | +4.5 (-110) | 163.5 over (-125) |
| Alabama | -360 | -4.5 (-125) | 163.5 under (-110) |
The betting lines underscore Alabama as the favorites with a -4.5 spread, suggesting that oddsmakers expect a close but controlled performance from the Crimson Tide. The over/under set at 163.5 points reflects expectations of a high-scoring affair, which aligns with both teams’ offensive capabilities displayed early this season.
Will Riley (Forward) vs. Mark Sears (Guard)
Illinois’ forward Will Riley has been going with the flow in the first games of this season, scoring 17.7 points, which is accompanied by 51.5% and 69.2% from the field and 3-point line, respectively. Illinois uses him efficiently as a scoring/rebounding threat, and his usual 1.7 turnovers per game, however, may be a problem against a disciplined Alabama team.
Mark Sears, Alabama’s best guard, on the other hand, scores 17.3 points per match with the most minutes played per team. His 3.5 assists a game help him show his playmaking tendencies, and he shoots prescriptions over 80% from the line as well. Nonetheless, his two turnovers a game may give Illinois opportunities to exploit.
The battle of Riley and Sears in the front court for their respective teams might determine the game’s direction. Riley’s ability to score in the front/post and create mismatches will be a task for Alabama’s offense, while getting to the rim and putting Chicago’s perimeter guards to the test should be simple for Sears. Their jackets would be crucial to the game in that they could control the flow of the game and its outcome as well.
Illini’s Offensive Firepower: A Closer Look
Illinois has been explosive on offense, scoring an average of 89.3 points per game thanks to its deep three-point shooting of 36.2%. Moreover, the team has been consistently putting their shooting location on the map with 14 offensive rebounds per game and an impressive 47.3 rebounds averaged overall. These statistics can indeed come in handy during a closely-contested competition. Being able to stretch the floor and get various players involved has been key in their unbeaten run so far.
Tide’s Balanced Attack and Defensive Strategy
Alabama, while slightly trailing in scoring with 87 points per game, boasts a higher field goal percentage at 48.1%. Their balanced offensive attack is complemented by strong defensive metrics, including 4.8 steals and 5 blocks per game. This defensive solidity, combined with their ability to efficiently score from both inside and outside, presents a dual threat to the Illini.
Illinois Fighting Illini Betting Trends
Illinois are 7-2 ATS in their last 9 games.
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Illinois’ last 5 games.
Illinois are 10-1 SU in their last 11 games.
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Illinois’ last 6 games against an opponent in the Southeastern conference.
Illinois are 6-0 SU in their last 6 games played in November.
Alabama Crimson Tide Betting Trends
Alabama are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games.
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Alabama’s last 5 games.
Alabama are 7-2 SU in their last 9 games.
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Alabama’s last 6 games against an opponent in the Big Ten conference.
Alabama are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 games played in November.
Illinois Fighting Illini vs. Alabama Crimson Tide Betting Previews
This Illinois game against Alabama should be interesting. It has more implications for both teams, and their strengths and weak points in recent fixtures promise to make the match a tight encounter. Illinois, courtesy of its superior offensive firepower and marginally better defense, may come out victorious in this battle of the high scores. Still, Alabama should be cautious, considering their recent ATS failures.
What will likely happen is whether Alabama’s offense can gash Illinois’ 3-point shooting and rebounding relies more on individual players. Illinois by all means appears to be a sensible selection to cover the spread but it would be surprising if Alabama doesn’t put up strong competition. For those looking into NCAA betting, especially during tournaments like March Madness, check out resources like What Should I Know Before Betting on March Madness? can offer crucial insights.
Score Prediction: Illinois 85, Alabama 82.
