Battle for Braggin’ Rights
The No. 16 Illinois Fighting Illini (8-3) will meet with the Missouri Tigers (10-1) for a neutral rivalry clash in St. Louis, MO. The two have met in the Braggin’ Rights rivalry every season since 1983. Who will rule Gateway City in one of college basketball’s best nonconference traditions?
Both teams are searching for consistency heading into Wednesday’s battle. Illinois is 2-2 in the last four games while going 1-3 against the spread (ATS). Missouri is 2-1 and 1-2 ATS over the last four games.
Let’s check the latest college basketball odds, stats, injury reports, and college basketball lines for Illinois vs Missouri. We’ve plenty of NCAA basketball odds for you to consider.
Talented Scorer Emerging for Illinois
A challenging nonconference slate has elevated Illinois’ season goals. The Fighting Illini defeated No. 7 Texas (85-78) and No. 13 UCLA (79-70). Also, Illinois had a close 70-61 loss against No. 6 Virginia. The Fighting Illini have shown they can hang with the best, which dropped their Big Ten title odds to +475 and Final Four chances to +650.
Missouri will be Illinois’ final nonconference opponent before Big Ten play is in full swing. The Fighting Illini’s offense has struggled over the last two matches, averaging 63.5 points. For comparison, they average 78.1 points, ranking in the 89th percentile. Illinois has shot 28% on 3-pointers in the last two games. Plus, led scorer Terrence Shannon Jr. (17.8 points) has shot 36.4% from the field and 22% on 3-pointers in the last five games. Shannon has shot 45.5% and 34.8% from deep on the season.
During Shannon’s struggles, forward Matthew Mayer (9.2 points), the Baylor transfer, has stepped up. Heading into the season, many expected Mayer to have a larger scoring role with Illinois. He started slow but is averaging 18.7 points while shooting 63.6% and 52.6% from beyond the arc in the last three games.
The Matthew Mayer show in the garden. Another step back three. pic.twitter.com/GxlhTbQo5v
— Hoop Informatics 🏀📊🎥 (@HoopInformatics) December 7, 2022
Missouri Hoping to Earn Respect
Despite sitting at 10-1, Missouri has not received one vote in the AP Poll and will be an underdog against Illinois. Plus, the Tigers have made no traction when it comes to winning the SEC with +5000 odds.
This will be Missouri’s third consecutive game as underdogs. It went 1-1 ATS in the last two games. Ultimately, the Tigers seem to be the product of a weak schedule. No. 4 Kansas was Missouri’s toughest challenge, losing by a landslide, 95-67.
The Tigers rank 60th in Kenpom ratings and are 148th in defensive efficiency. The defense ranks in the bottom six percent with 9.5 allowed 3-pointers per game. Also, Missouri is in the bottom fourth of allowed points per game (75). Three of the last four opponents have scored at least 84 points.
The offense leads the way, ranking 14th in efficiency. The Tigers are second nationally with 88.4 points per game and play at one of college basketball’s quickest paces (18th). Five double-digit scorers are in the starting lineup. Guard Nick Honor (11.1 points) has been the hot hand, averaging 16 points in the last two games.
Illinois vs Missouri Game Injuries
Illinois vs Missouri Head-to-Head
In 52 all-time meetings, Illinois is 33-19 against Missouri. The Fighting Illini have dominated since 2000, winning 15 of 22 matchups. However, the Tigers have bounced back, going 3-1 outright and ATS in the last four matchups.
Illinois vs Missouri Game Information
- Game: Illinois (8-3) vs Missouri (10-1)
- Location: Enterprise Center, St. Louis, MO
- Day/Time: Thursday, Dec. 22, 9:00 p.m. ET
- Illinois vs Missouri Live Stream: TBS.com
Illinois vs Missouri Betting Lines
Illinois vs Missouri Picks & Prediction
This promises to be an entertaining matchup with a rapid pace, as both teams rank in the 85th percentile of tempo. The over seems likely, with both ranking in the 89th percentile of points per game. Also, Missouri has gone over four of the last five games.
Illinois’ defense will be the difference. The Tigers have one of the worst defenses in the Power Six, while the Fighting Illini are in the 95th percentile of opponent shooting percentage. Missouri is in the bottom 15% of every major opponent 3-point shooting category. The Fighting Illini is in the 94th percentile of 3-point attempts per game, and Mayer comes in red-hot. Illinois will gain bragging rights following a win and cover.
The Illinois Fighting Illini are listed at -275 in our Vegas NCAAB lines. This means that if you wager $100 on Fighting Illini, you have a chance to win $36. The Missouri Tigers are +225, offering a chance to win $225 on a $100 wager.
The implied probability attached to the betting lines gives Illinois Fighting Illini a 73.33% chance to win, with Missouri Tigers at 30.77%.
Illinois vs Missouri Trends
Illinois vs Missouri Edge
Illinois vs Missouri Results
Illinois vs Missouri Game Summary
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