2 Units
So.Illinois/UCLA Over ???
Again another game I will wait and monitor the line. 127.5 is w/a and would def be a play at that number. However public perception is that these are 2 under teams and think I can squeeze a couple more numbers out before I place my wager on the over. If it get down to 125 I will hit immediately.
So. Ill defense really hasn't been performing as their usual high level. Their field goal % defense isn't half that bad, but what is alarming is how often opposing teams have been going to the line. UMASS made it to the line 33 times, Cal Pa 13, and Duke an amazing 47 times. With the new hand check rule it can really have a negative effect on the Saluki's in your face pressure defense. You literally can call a foul on every play. Lowery insists that his players smother the guy with the ball, and obviously it is costing them with a huge number of fouls being called. UCLA should benefit from going to the line, especially Collison who will control the ball for most the game, shoots at a high percentage.
On offense So.Ill has more firepower this season compared to last. Carlton Fay has came out of no where and is averagin 17ppg. He is playing with confidence, and it shows. Dillard also gives them a playmaker who can create his own shot, as well as get others involved. They have had big 2nd halves in each game this year.
Throw in the fact that this is the consolation game and you can assure the intensity level isn't going to be at the highest. It is tough to get up when there is a 1,000 people in the stands in a 18,000 seat arena. When intensity is down, defense suffers the most. I expect this to be the case tonight.
