The No. 5 ranked UConn Huskies will take on the No. 13 Illinois Fighting Illini in a highly anticipated college basketball matchup on November 27, 2023. Scheduled for a 12:30 PM ET tip-off at Madison Square Garden, both teams come into the game with only one loss this season, making this an intriguing out-of-conference showdown.
UConn suffered its lone defeat against Arizona, while Illinois fell short to Alabama, with both losses coming by a narrow margin of just four points. The outcome of this game could have significant implications for both teams as they seek to solidify their standings in the early part of the season.
Betting Odds and Trends
According to FanDuel Sportsbook, the odds for the game are as follows:
– **Spread**: UConn -2.5 (-105), Illinois +2.5 (-115)
– **Moneyline**: UConn -144, Illinois +120
– **Total**: OVER 154.5 (-115), UNDER 154.5 (-105)
Recent betting trends indicate that UConn has struggled against the spread, going 1-5 in its last six games. The UNDER has been a common outcome for both teams, with UConn having an UNDER record of 10-3 in its last 13 games and Illinois seeing the UNDER in 12 of its last 14 games against teams from the Big East.
Key Player to Watch
One player to keep an eye on is Andrej Stojakovic, a guard for Illinois. The transfer from California is making a strong impact, averaging 18.5 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game. His shooting percentage stands at an impressive 58.8%. Stojakovic’s standout performances against tough opponents, including 23 points against Texas Tech and 26 against Alabama, will be crucial if Illinois hopes to secure an upset victory.
UConn and Illinois are closely matched in the KenPom rankings, with UConn at 13th and Illinois at 14th in net rating. Their effective field goal percentages are also comparable, ranking 30th and 32nd respectively. However, Illinois holds an advantage in effective possession ratio, ranking sixth in the nation, while UConn is 70th.
As both teams prepare for this critical game, the stage is set for a competitive matchup that could go down to the wire. Betting enthusiasts may consider backing Illinois, given the competitive metrics and recent trends.
For those interested in placing bets, FanDuel offers a promotion where new users can receive $150 in bonus bets after their first $5 wager. It’s important to gamble responsibly, and if anyone is struggling with gambling issues, support is available at 1-800-GAMBLER.
This game promises to be a thrilling encounter, showcasing the talents of top college basketball programs as they vie for supremacy on a national stage.
