Illinois Fighting Illini (6-1) vs. Northwestern Wildcats (6-3)
Illinois Fighting Illini vs. Northwestern Wildcats December 6 2024 – This season of NCAA Men’s Basketball has commenced and one of the games which has caught the attention of many people as it is an eager encounter between Illinois Fighting Illini and Northwestern Wildcats. The game is set for Friday and finds Illinois who has a record of 6-1 and is on a winning streak, clashing against Northwestern who has a record of 6-3. The action has been intense and this game will be no different considering both teams will be fighting to assert their dominance early in the season.
Illinois Fighting Illini vs. Northwestern Wildcats December 6 2024 Game Info
| When: | Friday, December 6, 2024 at 9:00 PM ET |
| Where: | Welsh-Ryan Arena |
| TV: | BTN |
| Stream: | Sofascore |
Illinois Fighting Illini vs. Northwestern Wildcats Betting Odds
| Team | Moneyline | Spread | Total |
| Illinois | -154 | -2.5 (-110) | 144 over (-110) |
| Northwestern | +130 | +2.5 (-110) | 144 under (-110) |
Betting lines opened with Illinois as slight favorites (-2.5) at -154 moneyline odds good for their season start looks. Northwestern, a slight underdog on +130 on the moneyline will aim to exploit the fact that they will be playing at their home ground. A win for either side is well within reach for either with the baseline estimates total points around 144.
Tomislav Ivisic (Center) vs. Brooks Barnhizer (Guard)
Tomislav Ivisic, the center for Illinois, has been a standout performer. He averaged 16.3 points and 8.9 rebounds per game this season and has a shooting efficiency of nearly 57%, which is impressive considering Ivisic is a key figure in the paint for Illinois and shoots from the field predominantly. His shot-blocking ability and rebounding will also be essential assets against Northwestern.
On the other end, Brooks Barnhizer, Northwestern’s star guard, has put up bulging scoring averages. He averages 20.2 points per game, 8.4 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game. His 38.9% shooting from the three-point line has made him essential in the Wildcats’ offense. Barnhizer’s role as a scorer and playmaker will be a valid concern for Illinois’s defensive setup.
Both of these fighters will significantly influence the tempo of the game. If the players clash in this section on the court, a performance battle will take place, the final result of which may depend on the player’s input.
Analyzing Illinois Fighting Illini: Momentum and Consistency
The Illinois Fighting Illini have had a very strong scoring offense over their last five matches which explains their impressive record of 6-1 overall. Their victories against Arkansas showed their offensive and defensive rankings. They lost once, too, against Alabama but always looked reliable with their fighting spirit and ability to withstand pressure. The consistency in terms of good offensive and defensive plays will assist the team in the upcoming matchup against Northwestern.
Northwestern Wildcats: Home Court Heroes
Northwestern Wildcats in their last five games show the ability to bounce back especially while playing on their home turf. Though the match against Iowa was narrowly lost, they were able to win against UNLV and Pepperdine which showed their winning mentality. While playing in front of their home crowd, the Wildcats who are unbeaten in their last six games, are looking forward to using their home-court advantages and past games to take on the high-flying Illini.
Illinois Fighting Illini Betting Trends
Illinois are 10-3 ATS in their last 13 games.
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Illinois’ last 9 games.
Illinois are 13-2 SU in their last 15 games.
Illinois are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 games against Northwestern.
Illinois are 10-2 SU in their last 12 games against Northwestern.
Northwestern Wildcats Betting Trends
Northwestern are 2-6 ATS in their last 8 games.
Northwestern are 5-2 SU in their last 7 games.
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Northwestern’s last 8 games against Illinois.
Northwestern are 6-0 SU in their last 6 games at home.
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Northwestern’s last 9 games when playing at home against Illinois.
Illinois Fighting Illini vs. Northwestern Wildcats Betting Previews
Expect a close battle with enormous consequences for either team in this matchup. Illinois are the slight favorites but will be put to the real test by Northwestern, particularly at Welsh-Ryan Arena. The game shall probably be decided by the practices of individual star players with Ivisic and Barnhizer possessing such powers.
Considering factors such as the form and home advantages, Northwestern looks like a good value grab even with the points. Given the past statistics of the encounter between these two teams, the points spread option may also be worthwhile for bettors.
Score Prediction: Illinois 72, Northwestern 70.
