Unranked Illinois and unranked Missouri both head to St. Louis to face each other on Sunday afternoon. The game is at 1:00 PM ET on ESPN. Can Missouri cover the 3-point spread as neutral-site underdogs? Keep reading for our Illinois vs. Missouri prediction.
The Illinois Fighting Illini are 7-3 straight up in the regular season this year. They are 5-5 ATS this season.
The Missouri Tigers are 10-1 straight up in the regular season this year. They are 4-7 ATS this season.
Illinois vs. Missouri Matchup & Betting Odds
753 Illinois Fighting Illini (-3) vs. 754 Missouri Tigers (+3); o/u 155.5
1:00 p.m. ET, Sunday, December 22, 2024
Enterprise Center, St. Louis, MO
TV: ESPN
Illinois vs. Missouri Public Betting Information
Our CBB Public Betting Information page indicates that 52% of public bettors are currently backing Missouri when it comes to the spread. This information is subject to change throughout the day, however, so be sure to check the link so you’re receiving the most up-to-date public betting data.
Illinois Fighting Illini Game Notes
Fighting Illini guard Kasparas Jakucionis had a great game in his team’s 66-64 loss to Tennessee last Saturday evening. The freshman from Lithuania put up 22 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, a steal, and 2 made three-pointers. Jakucionis is leading the team in scoring with 16.1 points per game this year.
Illinois forward Will Riley also played well in his team’s game last weekend. In 20 minutes off the bench, the 6’8” freshman recorded 10 points and 5 rebounds. He shot 8 of 9 from the foul line in the defeat.
Missouri Tigers Game Notes
Tigers guard Mark Mitchell was excellent in his team’s 83-72 win over Jacksonville State on Tuesday night. The Duke transfer logged 18 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 steals, and 3 blocks. The 6’9” junior shot 6 of 12 from the field and 6 of 9 from the foul line in the victory.
Missouri guard Jacob Crews was electric off the bench in his team’s game on Tuesday. In 20 minutes of playing time, the UT-Martin transfer registered 19 points 2 rebounds, and a made free throw. Crews shot 6 of 9 from three-point range in the win.
Illinois vs. Missouri CBB Betting Trends
Illinois is 2-4 ATS in their last 6 games against Missouri.
The Fighting Illini are 3-4-1 ATS in their last 8 games overall.
Missouri is 38-36-1 ATS in neutral-site games since the start of the 2010 season.
Missouri is 15-14 ATS when playing on 4+ days of rest since the beginning of the 2021 season.
Illinois vs. Missouri CBB Prediction:
I like this spot for the Tigers. December 22nd will be Missouri’s third Sunday game this season. The Tigers are 2-0 straight up and 2-0 against the spread in their previous 2 Sunday contests this year. Missouri defeated Kansas in Columbia, 76-67 on December 8th and the Tigers walloped Arkansas-Pine Bluff at home 112-63 on November 24th. What’s more, Missouri has had a lot of recent success in this interstate rivalry.
The Tigers are 4-2 ATS in their last 6 games against the Fighting Illini, with all four of those covers coming in outright wins. Illinois has lost 2 out of their last 3 games outright and they are only 1-1-1 ATS in that span. I think the Illini are vulnerable to being upset here. I’m taking Missouri and the points in St. Louis on Sunday afternoon.