Simulation Picks
Maximize Your Odds of Winning with SportsLine Model and Our Top-Rated Picks!
Maximize Your Odds of Winning with SportsLine Model and Our Top-Rated Picks!
Maximize Your Odds of Winning with SportsLine Model and Our Top-Rated Picks!
Understanding Public and Money
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Expert Picks
Another motivation game. And a rivalry game on top of that. Northwestern is the better team. Illinois beat Northwestern in Evanston Feb. 2, but the 'Cats played that game without swingman Scottie Lindsay. In the last seven games played with Lindsay, Northwestern is 7-0 SU and 6-1 ATS. They went 1-3 SU and ATS without him. Northwestern is playing for a top-four finish in the Big Ten, which would result in a double bye in the conference tourney. I'll take the better team playing with revenge.
My simulations show Northwestern, which is aiming for the first NCAA Tournament berth in program history, as beating Illinois by at least six points when they meet Tuesday night. The Wildcats have 20 wins and appear headed toward an above-.500 finish in the Big 10, but their lack of quality victories means they can’t take any opponent for granted. They have lost three of four but face an Illinois club that has dropped its last three home games. Take the side with the strong motivational factors.