Ind./Ill...

[mcity]

at work and going to look into this game a little closer and hopefully get some feedback started.


We all know what happened between these two the first meeting....Indiana, at home, blew the doors off of Illinois 88-57 as a 1-point dog (my local line). I remember this game very well as I watched in disbelief at what I was seeing....total domination....a snowball effect that completely enveloped the Illini...who at that point in the season looked like a team in total disarray.

Here are some stats to look at from the first game:

Indiana: shot 32-62 (52%)...well above 44% season avg.
shot 17-27 (63%) from 3....way above 39% season avg.

Illinois: shot 23-63 (37%)...well below 46% season avg.
shot 2-12 (17%) from 3....way below 34%

Indiana outrebounded Illinois...42-29...jared jefferies had 7 offensive boards.

My take on this game is that Illinois was not playing well when they went into Indiana...not playing with any passion. The game at Indiana snowballed on them, and just turned into one of those runaway games that happen once in awhile. Indiana is not playing as well as they were a couple of weeks ago...I think jefferies sore ankle will still limit him tonight....I'd be very suprised to see him with 7 offensive boards in this game....I have a feeling that Indiana may be a little shellshocked from losing at MSU on sunday surrendering a huge lead....don't think they can't shoot like they did in the first meeting...Illinois will be pumped for revenge...they will play with passion. I'm an Indiana alum and huge fan....understand they are playing for the big ten title in this game.....but when it comes to betting, I have to roll with my head...and although my heart says IU....I think Illinois wins this one by 11....any thoughts and suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Valuist]

Definitely agree. The confidence level in these two teams since that first game has flip-flopped. Without Jeffries 100%, Indy will have to rely on its 3 pt shooting and I question whether they will be able to do that in Champaign. Plus the revenge factor. Gotta take the Illini tonight.

 

[Carpet]

MCITY just wanted to share a few thoughts on tonights game.

I really like Illinois in this game, the revenge factor is HUGE.

A few key points to consider

Tonight Illinois will honor it's 5 seniors as they play the final game at assembly hall
ARCHIBALD
BRADFORD
JOHNSON
KRUPILAJA (Injured)
WILLIAMS (Leaving after Junior year to Pro's)

The place will be jumping.

Indiana comes into champaign with just one days rest.

Jared Jefferies is not 100% since an ankle injury suffered Feb 9.

Jefferies 3 game avg since injury 8.3 PPG
Jefferies prior to injury 18.4 PPG

Indiana has won the last 28 games dating back to 1999-2000 when they score above 75.0 points. (They will not score above 75 tonight against this smothering defense of Illinois.

I like the Illini by double digits.

Good Luck,

Carpet

"The Carpet always covers"

 

[KsYaS]

yEAHH!! maybe Illionois win, but, By double digits??? will cover??

I really don't think so, the revenge factor doesn't exist this campaign, how many money we lost thinking in this factor, this year, only the good teams won and cover, and here we have two of them, but to me the line is a little hi, I see a tought and close game, maybe IU will be won at the halftime!!

good luck and later

javier

 

[johnnyonthespot]

Trying Illinois again

Trying Illinois again

Illinois, my alma mater, has been killing me on bets all season. I've bet on them twice, and against them 4 times, and gone a combined 0-5-1, so take whatever I say with more than a grain of salt.

Illinois does not have too many close games at home. The ones they do have, they usually lose. The sole exception this year being Purdue, but Illinois had overcome an early double-digit deficit to take an 8 point lead before literally trying to give the game away late. For that reason, I don't see much value in taking Indiana and the points. If this game's within 6, it's gonna be Indiana winning, so I think all Indy bets should be on the moneyline.

That being said, I think Illinois is the play tonight, for all the reasons that have already been said: Jeffries not 100%, 1-day rest, revenge game, senior night, Illinois having won 6 in a row, 14-1 at home, and peaking at the right time.

Illinois has been notorious for starting out slow at home this year. Shouldn't happen here tonight. With Indy's loss Sunday, the Illini know they've still got a shot at a share of the regular season title if they win out, and with all the seniors playing their last home game (especially 4-year starter Bradford) I look for Illinois to finally come out fired up and show some sign that they're the team everyone expected them to be at the beginning of the year.

Of course, I could very well just be on my way to 0-6-1, but if nothing else the law of averages has gotta kick in sometime . . .right?

 

[Mr.Mom]

Seniors nite

Seniors nite

From what I think is the roadies have been covering on Sr Nite
Bc
Ill St
Cregh
and a host of others so maybe a lil reserch shuold be done on
the outcome? does Vegas take this into consideration?

 

[mcity]

that was a little closer than I thought it would be, Illinois had every opportunity to put Indiana away big and didn't....they needed help from the refs to get this cover....oh well, I guess the way the night is looking, I'll take a cover anyway I can get one.

 

[dr. freeze]

yeah....good call.....i am a little pissed off at this game......that assistant coach should be canned......cost his team a chance at winning.....