Arkansas-Little Rock vs Illinois Picks and Prediction – 11/26/2024

The Little Rock Trojans (3-3) travel to Champaign to face the No. 25 Illinois Fighting Illini (4-1). The Trojans are looking to rebound after a tough 79-67 loss to Arkansas, while the Illini are fresh off an 87-40 rout of UMES. Both teams aim to make an early-season statement. Slam dunk your bets with our College Basketball picks.

Little Rock’s offense averages 72.2 points per game, led by guard Mwani Wilkinson, who is scoring 17.2 points per game while shooting an efficient 51.4% from the field. The Trojans rely heavily on Wilkinson’s production, as no other player averages double figures. The overall field goal percentage of 43.8% reflects inconsistency, particularly on the road. On the glass, Little Rock is averaging 34.2 rebounds per game but struggles against teams with size, a challenge they will face against Illinois.

Defensively, the Trojans allow 71 points per game and have struggled to control the perimeter. While they average a respectable 8.8 steals per game, they also give up too many second-chance opportunities due to a lack of size and defensive rebounding. With just 5.2 blocks per game, interior defense is a concern against Illinois, which excels at attacking the rim.

Illinois has started strong, averaging 88.4 points per game. Forward Will Riley leads the team with 18 points per game, supported by Tomislav Ivisic, who contributes with 8.2 rebounds per game. The Illini dominate the glass with 49 rebounds per game, a significant advantage over Little Rock. The 45% shooting is solid, and depth allows them to sustain offensive pressure throughout the game.

Defensively, the Fighting Illini are holding opponents to just 63.8 points per game. They’ve demonstrated the ability to disrupt opposing offenses with 5.8 blocks and 5.6 steals per game. Illinois’s interior defense, anchored by Morez Johnson Jr. (2.0 blocks per game), will be critical against Little Rock. Despite occasional lapses in transition, Illinois has the tools to smother the Trojans.

Illinois’s overwhelming size, rebounding edge, and defensive prowess will be too much for Little Rock to handle. Expect the Illini to control the pace and wear down the Trojans with roster depth and talent. Final Score Prediction: Illinois wins 90-65.