GAME:  717 Miami Florida vs 718 Illinois
TIME:    12/2 7:00p EST
SPREAD:  Illinois -8
TOTAL:  145.5
SPORTSBOOK:  5Dimes Sportsbook 

The Illinois Fighting Illini play the Miami Hurricanes in a Big 10 vs ACC matchup. Illinois knocked off Lindenwood by 52 points at home on Tuesday, while Miami fell 80-55 to UConn last week. These teams last met in 2014 with Miami winning 70-61 in Miami. 

MIAMI HURRICANES

The Hurricanes are averaging 79 points per game with 46% field goal shooting. Miami is allowing 70 points per game on defense and allowing their opponents to shoot 46% from the field. The Hurricanes, turn the ball over only 9 times per game while forcing 17 turnovers per game adding 7 steals per contest. 

ILLINOIS FIGHTING ILLINI

The Fighting Illini average 87 points per game on offense shooting 50% from the field and 31% from 3. Illinois allows 62 points per game on defense, allowing their opponents to shoot 37% from the field.  Illinois struggles with turnovers averaging 14 per game which will be a major disadvantage against the Hurricanes defense. 

However, the Illini are dominating the boards as they lead the nation in rebounding margin (plus-18.6) and rank third in total rebounds per game (45.43), a huge edge against a Miami team that hasn’t hit 30 rebounds in any of the last three games. Illinois has three players – sophomore Ayo Dosunmu (16.3), freshman Kofi Cockburn (15.3) and senior Andres Feliz (15.3) – averaging at least 15 points per game. Cockburn is averaging a double-double for the season as he also ranks seventh in the nation with 12 rebounds per game. 

MATCHUP SUMMARY

The Hurricanes will come out to defend and force Illinois to turn the ball over which will keep them from scoring there 87 points per game however Illinois should still be able to hold on with a closer than expected win in this contest with their tough home-court environment.

TRENDS

MIAMI-FLORIDA:

• Miami is 1-7 ATS in their last 8 road games.
• Over is 12-5 in Miami’s last 17 Monday games.

ILLINOIS:

• Illinois is 6-2 ATS in their last 8 Monday games.
• Over is 7-3 in Illinois’ last 10 home games.

BETTING ANGLES:

Data Analysis:   Miami +8 / Under 145.5
Fade the Public:   Miami +8  / Under 145.5
Sharp Action:    Illinois -8 / Under 145.5

Miami Florida vs. Illinois – College Basketball prediction pick