Well, this is a too tough to call for me. You have the #1 team in the country AT HOME where they are 11-0 (3-2 ATS) playing a Hoosier team who is 1-5 on the road (3-5 ATS) without their leading scorer. Illinois has won 4 straigt in the series and 7 of the last 10. In the last 10 they are equal at 5-5 ATS.
If the game turns into a fast paced track meet, IU will be in trouble as the Illini have the horses and IU does not. If the pace is slowed and turned into a half court game, IU could also be in big trouble as well due to the experience of Powell and Augustine vs the inexperience of the Hoosiers front court. Without wright already IU WILL have major stuggles if DJ White gets into foul trouble due to this game slowing down to a half court battle which I think will happen.
I do feel that IU will show many why IU fans should be excited about the Hoosiers Future though as AJ Ratliff, Vaden, and White are going to very tough as they gain experience, unfortuanately thats all we might be able to chalk this one up us as is EXPERIENCE! Very tough place to play, especially for a team this young!!!! Going against a trio of guards like Luther Head, Dee Brown, and Williams is very difficult for any team, especially one that will have to play very inexperienced back court combos that the Hoosiers will have in there at times.....
20 points seemed like a Vegas attempt to beg for Indiana money, or is it??? They knew it was the #1 team in the country and knew that IU would be without Bracey as every report has listed him as doubtful. The money has continued to be put on the Illini as the line is at 22 in some places. Which is why if forced I would wait to the last minute to get the most points and lean towards a very small wager on IU.
As far as the total....another tough one IMO! Its one of the lowest totals for the Illini as most of their totals have been set in the 140+ range while it is one of the higher totals set for the Hoosiers. Indiana is only averaging 63.6 ppg this season while connecting on only 41.6 percent from the field. Their defense has held opponents to 64.1 ppg on 40.8 percent shooting. On the other side you have Illinois, who is averaging 81.5 ppg while holding the opponents to 63.0 ppg.
Alll five Illini starters are averaging double figures in scoring!!!!
AGAIN, very tough one to call....If a gun was held to my head I would play IU +22 for a very small wager, only because the money seems to be on the other side. If I was also forced to play the total I would have to side with the under! If you like the Illini I think you should play the over! If you like the IU, the over or under could take the money, so tough decision.
No play for me, as I prepare for the greatness of the Super Bowl.
GL
YAZ
