Florida Atlantic vs Illinois bets represent some of the College Basketball best odds as the Jimmy V Classic takes places on Tuesday evening. These two teams are an interesting contrast in styles. Everyone knows what the Owls pulled off last season. The 11th-seeded Owls take on the 20th-seeded Fighting Illini. Can Illinois parlay being a slight underdog into a victory?
Florida Atlantic vs Illinois Bets like some early juice this Tuesday evening. Now, Florida Atlantic rolls in as a 1.5-point favorite over Illinois. The game takes place in the Mecca of basketball (Madison Square Garden in New York City). This figures to be quite the game as Illinois has enjoyed a resurgence this season. Now, the Fighting Illini come off their biggest win of the season. They blew out Rutgers in New Jersey by 18 points on Saturday.
This week sees Illinois only ramp up the level of competition. They face Florida Atlantic Tuesday night and then Tennessee later in the week. So far, the Fighting Illini enjoy a nice point differential of 19 points. The most important thing is their ability to hold opponents off the scoreboard. Illinois yields a mere 58.6 points per game. That is good for seventh in the nation.
Naturally, some experts have more faith in Florida Atlantic and understandably so. Bovada Vegas Online Sportsbook reflects this with their early numbers for this Tuesday. The Fighting Illini could see the Owls again come the NCAA Tournament. Both teams play a style that could be quite a game there. Luckily, we get this on Tuesday on a neutral site to boot.
Florida Atlantic vs Illinois Bets like the Fighting Illini with the points and outright on Tuesday. So at VegasBetting, we go for the gold and swing guard Terrance Shannon. The 6-6 Senior averages 20 points a game and is a major focal point of the Illinois offense. Can Florida Atlantic slow the talent down enough? Yes, Illinois has a few players who can step up. However, Shannon cannot afford to have an off night or get in foul trouble.
Currently, Dain Dainja is a big wildcard in all of this. The big forward-center is 6-foot-9 and 270 pounds (some say bigger). However, he moves pretty fast for that huge of a man. Illinois has quite a few players with long reaches who can rebound the basketball. At 49.3 rebounds per game, they rank number one in the nation. That sets up quite a few opportunities.
Now, this is a huge opportunity for Illinois. Is this their best team under Underwood? We are probably going to find out a good deal about this Fighting Illini team. The belief is their athleticism can even beat a team like Florida Atlantic. Defensively, Illinois can definitely slow a team like the Owls down. The question is can they mount enough of an offensive punch to stay in front in the second half?
Expect a back-and-forth affair between the two teams on Tuesday night. This game again could be that one which is decided in the final few minutes. Florida Atlantic punches a little more offensively but does not have quite the same defensive pedigree from last season. This has us hooked on the Illinois moneyline. Yes, we like the Fighting Illini on Tuesday over the Owls.
Florida Atlantic vs Illinois bets ask do we caught between the moon and NYC with the Under? Some believe the number at almost 150 (149.5) is just too high here. Currently, the game total has been projected to move between now and Tuesday evening. Could it go up or down? Honestly, that is anyone’s guess. Is that something to risk? Now, there’s the better question.
During the first couple of months, teams are feeling themselves out. Illinois has played two teams that could be considered NCAA Tournament caliber squads. The Fighting Illini narrowly lost to Marquette then thumped Rutgers on the road. That drew a lot of notice. Again, Illinois can control the shot clock with their rebounding ability. Not even Vladimir Goldin and company may be able to keep the long arms at bay.
College Basketball Betting Picks wonder a little bit about the first half Under here. We saw Florida Atlantic play some skunkers in the tournament during the first 20 minutes. Could it happen again? That is possible. Check the number later on Tuesday. If the number drops too close to 70, pass. Play it safe and focus on the game total instead.
Do not be afraid to explore some different options with the Florida Atlantic vs Illinois Bets. Illinois and the race to 30 points in the second half is +115 right now. No one is saying break the bankroll, but consider that and the Game Under.
NCAA basketball online betting sites love the Jimmy V Classic. Get in on these two great matchups. As always, keep things reasonable. Of course, the games pale in significance to the message of Jim Valvano, who fought a courageous battle against cancer. Watch Valvano’s speech on YouTube, ESPN, or anywhere sometime. “Don’t give up. Don’t ever give up.”
