Illinois Fighting Illini vs. Northwestern Wildcats | Free Pick (February 5)
Looking for the #1 Internet gambling & College basketball handicapping info site on the WWW? Get the best College Basketball Picks in the industry to help you win more when you bet on College Hoops with CappersPicks.com.
(odds courtesy of BetUS – BET NOW Click Here!)
Illinois 15-7 (11-11 ATS) vs Northwestern 13-8 (9-6 ATS)
Saturday February 5 – 1:00PM
Recent history: Illnois beat Northwestern 88-63 in Champagne last month.
Illinois vs Northweestern Odds – Northwestern -1.5
Total – 139.5
Click here to view LIVE ATS Stats for this matchup —>
A couple of unexpected losses in Big Ten play have many questioning the true potential of the Illini. PG Dametri McCamey is a next level talent but the frontcourt duo of Mikes Davis and Tisdale have consistently disappointed. Illinois has really struggled on the road (3-3 SU) including closes losses to Indiana and Penn State where they were favourites. Last year they lost on the road to NW as John Shurna and Jeremy Nash combined for more than 40 points. Due to injury and graduation the likelihood is that neither will play for the the ‘Cats on Saturday.
Both of these teams are trying to prove they are tournament worthy and I think it is a must win for both clubs, even Illinois who has the better record and pedigree. They have to start playing better, this squad was originally ranked quite highly but have not come close to fulfilling that promise. 
Northwestern still has a chance to secure its first ever NCAA tournament bid if they start winning some games…and fast. A week ago this team lost to Ohio State by just a single point – with their best player watching from the sidelines. An impressive performance but without some additional wins it will be for not. This is a chance to beat a recognizable foe but it won’t be easy with star forward John Shurna potentially unavailable. Shurna is dealing with a concussion that forced him to miss that game against OSU and he is questionable when Illinois comes to town.
Looking at the numbers from that game against OSU it is amazing that they were able to hang with the Buckeyes as they were essentially outplayed. They stayed in the game by shooting the ball pretty well from three and outrebounding their opponent. If they can do that again this time they might get the win.
Betting Trends:
Fighting Illini are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games following a S.U. win.
Fighting Illini are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600.
Fighting Illini are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
Fighting Illini are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 road games.
Wildcats are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400.
Wildcats are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 Saturday games.
Wildcats are 12-3 ATS in their last 15 home games.
Free Illini vs Wildcats Pick
Illinois has traditionally dominated their instate rival winning 9 of 10 in the series but the lone loss was at NW last season. I would feel very comfortable backing the Wildcats if I knew for sure Shurna was playing but I don’t so I am leaning towards the Illini.
Score prediction: Illinois 67 – Northwestern 62
