Illinois Fighting Illini vs Minnesota Golden Gophers 1/16/2023 Picks

Illinois Fighting Illini vs Minnesota Golden Gophers 1/16/2023 Picks Predictions Previews

The Illinois Fighting Illini will go against the Minnesota Golden Gophers in NCAAB action in Williams Arena, NC, on Monday, January 16, 2023, at 6:00 PM ET.

Illinois had a four-game unbeaten run to start the season, which included a victory against then-No. 8 UCLA. Since then, the Fighting Illini had consistency issues, dropping their opening three conference games.

A nasty taste remained in their mouths after they lost to Missouri in a rivalry game by a score of 93-71 just before Christmas.

Illinois won three straight games after a 0-3 start in Big Ten competition, defeating then-No. 14 Wisconsin, Nebraska, and Michigan State.

All three of the contests were won by the Fighting Illini by a margin of at least nine points, for a total victory margin of 45 points.

In Illinois’ victory over Michigan State, Dain Dainja led all scorers with 20 points. This is a homecoming game for him because he is from Brooklyn Park, Minnesota.

With an effective field goal percentage of 53.5 and an offensive rebounding rate of 44, the Fighting Illini were a strong offensive club this season.

They shot just 33.2% from beyond the arc and are No. 14 in a 2-point percentage (56.4).

Minnesota’s defense is ranked No. 152 in modified efficiency and will be tested by Illinois. Terrence Shannon Jr., a senior guard, is the top scorer for Illinois at 18.0 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game.

The Illinois Fighting Illini is 4-1 SU in their last 5 matches.
The Illinois Fighting Illini is 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games with Minnesota.
The total went UNDER in 6 of Illinois’ last 9 matches on the road.

More College Basketball Picks Predictions Previews

Chat with our Live Handicapper to Know More about the Game.

Illinois Fighting Illini vs Minnesota Golden Gophers Predictions 1/16/2023

This year, Minnesota won four of its first five games, with its lone defeat coming at the hands of DePaul.

However, the Golden Gophers lost their following five contests, including conference debut defeats to then-No. 5 Purdue and Michigan.

Before falling to then-No. 14 Wisconsin and Nebraska, they recovered with a pair of victories over two inferior teams, covering the spread in both of those defeats.

With its greatest play of the year, Minnesota ended that losing streak by defeating Ohio State last Thursday by a score of 70-67 to earn its first Big Ten victory of the year.

In the upset, the Golden Gophers were 14.5-point underdogs.

Their season offensive rankings include No. 259 in turnover rate, No. 259 in effective field goal percentage (50.0), and No. 222 in offensive rebounding %.

They were not a strong offensive club. Of the 363 Division I teams, Minnesota has the third-worst percentage of free throw shooting (59.2%).

The Illinois defense will be tested by the Golden Gophers as it ranks No. 26 in adjusted efficiency and No. 14 in field goal percentage.

The total went UNDER in 5 of the Golden Gophers’ last 6 matches.
The Minnesota Golden Gophers are 3-7 SU in their last 10 matches.
The total went OVER in 8 of Minnesota’s last 12 matches against Illinois.

Illinois Fighting Illini vs Minnesota Golden Gophers. The NCAAB pick for this game is the Illinois Fighting Illini.

Shannon Jr. and Mayer, who both transferred in from the Big 12, are two seasoned ball handlers who lead Illinois’ team despite its general lack of experience (Texas Tech, Baylor).

One must feel confident supporting Illinois on the road because they give the team some much-needed experience competing in important road games.

Another reason to back the Fighting Illini in this slot is that they rely on their defense to win games. Their ability to win games without having to shoot well from outside reduces Minnesota’s home-court advantage.

Illinois won and covered the spread in five of the last six meetings, dominating in head-to-head series. In its last seven home matches, Minnesota only covered the spread.

The Illinois Fighting Illini will win to a predicted score of 74-64.

College Basketball Free Premium Picks Predictions. This week’s entire college basketball premium pick predictions against the spread are free right now at 1-888-711-4311 or text the word WINBIG to 760-670-3130 to receive them. Included are Best Bets, Parlays and Halftime winners for this week free of charge.