Minnesota might be off to a 6-0 start on the year, but they haven’t faced a very difficult schedule. The Golden Gophers did earn an 85-80 victory over Boston College in the ACC/Big Ten Challenge, but this will be the toughest test of the season. Here is Betting Midwest’s Minnesota at Illinois Betting Preview.
The Fighting Illini have dropped to number 13 in the AP poll after two losses in their previous three games. Illinois is viewed as a Final Four contender this season, but they will need to get things back on track in Big Ten play.
The Fighting Illini are eight-point favorites at home over the Minnesota Golden Gophers in the Big Ten opener.
Minnesota at Illinois Betting Preview: Guards Leading Minnesota Charge
The Minnesota Golden Gophers are averaging more than 84 points per game this season, and a pair of guards are leading the way. Minnesota is shooting under 30 percent from the three-point line, but these two guards are able to get to the bucket.
Marcus Carr leads the team with 23.8 points per game, and he hardly ever leaves the floor for the Golden Gophers. Both Gach has pitched in with 15.3 points per game, and he is one of the best shooters in the Big 10.
An area of weakness for Minnesota is on the interior, and that could be a big problem against Illinois. Center Liam Robbins is averaging 12.5 points and 7.7 rebounds per game, but he will have a tough matchup in this one.
The Golden Gophers will have to shoot extremely well to stay in this game, and they will have to keep their stars on the floor and out of foul trouble.
Minnesota at Illinois Betting Preview: Dynamic Duo Needs Help For Illinois
The Fighting Illini have a pair of future NBA stars leading the way, and this team can score points in a hurry. Illinois is averaging 87.7 points per game, but their defense has struggled in their two losses.
Point guard Ayo Dosunmu is averaging 24.8 points and 5.2 assists per game this season and he is a legitimate All-American candidate. Dosunmu poured in 36 points in the loss to Missouri, but he just didn’t get enough help from his teammates.
Center Kofi Cockburn is averaging 14.8 points and 8.8 rebounds per game, and he is one of the most dominant centers in the country. Minnesota will really struggle to contain the big man, and he could have a monster game in the Big Ten opener.
This Illinois team is extremely deep, and that depth should wear down the Golden Gophers in this game.
Minnesota at Illinois Betting Pick: Illinois Bounces Back in Big Way
Minnesota is off to a great start this season, but playing the Fighting Illini in Champaign is a huge challenge. The Golden Gophers have been getting great play from their guards, but Illinois also is loaded with talent in the backcourt.
Illinois has been a bit up and down this season, but this team is still loaded with talent. The Fighting Illini are going to be hungry after a close loss to the Missouri Tigers, and they will take out that frustration on the Golden Gophers.
Look for the Fighting Illini to come out of the gates strong in this game, as they will take it to the Minnesota Golden Gophers. Minnesota will suffer their first loss of the season on Tuesday night in the Big Ten opener.
Bet the Illinois Fighting Illini -8.0 over the Minnesota Golden Gophers on Tuesday night in Big Ten action.
Keep following BettingMidwest.com for the latest picks and previews for all of your favorite Big Ten teams and matchups. Also, be sure and follow me on Twitter, @BetOnBurks. Thanks for reading.
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