The 23rd-ranked Illinois Fighting Illini will host the Monmouth Hawks on Monday, November 14th, in an NCAA Men's Basketball non-conference matchup.
The Hawks are still seeking their first win since beginning 0-2 after an 89-42 road loss on Friday against the Virginia Cavaliers. Illinois are 2-0 so far, coming off a 86-48 home victory on Friday against the Kansas City Roos.
Monmouth Hawks vs. Illinois Fighting Illini Betting Odds
Monmouth Hawks vs. Illinois Fighting Illini Match Details
Fixture: Monmouth Hawks at Illinois Fighting Illini
Date and Time: Monday, November 14, 9:00 p.m. ET
Venue: State Farm Center, Champaign, IL
Monmouth Hawks vs. Illinois Fighting Illini Key Stats
The Roos have struggled this season with a sub-par offense. They are scoring 47 points per game while shooting 33.7 percent from the floor. They have been dependent on the production of junior forward Myles Foster, as he is averaging 14 points, 9.5 rebounds, 0.5 assists, and 0.5 steals in just 27.5 minutes per game. He needs to be on the court the whole time if they want to win this game.
Their defense has struggled, allowing 84 points per game and they have not managed to force turnovers. As of this point, they are averaging a mere 1.5 blocks and five steals per game thus far.
Illinois Fighting Illini have been doing extremely well offensively as they have scored 86.5 points so far this season. They also have had a solid shooting percentage of 46.9. Senior guard Terrence Shannon Jr. had a massive game as he stuffed the stat sheet with 19 points, six rebounds, 3.5 assists, a steal, and 0.5 blocks in only 26 minutes on the court in his last appearance.
Illini's defense has flexed its muscles as they gave up only 52.5 points per game. They have also used size to their advantage as they finished with 48 rebounds while recording 8.5 blocks and 10.5 steals in their first two games of the season.
Monmouth Hawks vs. Illinois Fighting Illini Best Picks and Prediction
Illinois Fighting Illini are the better team as the offense is showcasing their shooting abilities quite remarkably. The pool of talent is also skewed in Illinois' favor. Terrence Foster Jr. is going to dominate here and Monmouth does not have the roster to stop him so go with Illinois to cover the spread.