Illinois Fighting Illini vs. Missouri Tigers 12/22/24 – The Illinois Fighting Illini (7-3) are preparing to take on the Missouri Tigers (10-1) in probably the most exciting game of the week. Moving into this game, both the teams have a solid record which is sure to bring some extra intensity to the contest. The match will be played on Sunday at 1:00 PM ET and fans can watch it live from the Enterprise Center on ESPN.
Illinois Fighting Illini vs. Missouri Tigers 12/22/24
| When: | Sunday, December 22, 2024, at 1:00 PM ET |
|---|---|
| Where: | Enterprise Center |
| TV: | ESPN |
| Stream: | Sofascore |
| Team | SP/RL | TOTAL | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fighting Illini | -4.5 (-110) | Over 154 (-110) | -154 |  |
| Tigers | +4.5 (-110) | Under 154 (-110) | +130 | |
| ||||
A holiday classic.
📅 Dec. 22
🆚 Missouri
⏰ 12 p.m. CT
📍 Enterprise Center, St. Louis, Mo.
📺 ESPN#Illini | #HTTO | #EveryDayGuys pic.twitter.com/bqgdGeNyMl— Illinois Men's Basketball (@IlliniMBB) December 21, 2024
The Illini will head into this one as the favorites as represented by the spread which is -4.5. Illinois holds a respectable 7-3 record overall, but the team has not been able to cover the spread during several of its recent matches, particularly against a more familiar foe in Missouri. The game total line is set at 154 and trends indicate that the line may go under, especially considering Illinois’s latest propensity to go under.
Kasparas Jakucionis (Guard) vs. Mark Mitchell (Guard)
This season, Illinois’ roster has been greatly supplemented by the steady performance of Kasparas Jakucionis, who has averaged 16.1 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game. Most importantly, his high basketball IQ and composed demeanor during clutch moments allow him to be a key contributor to the Illinois team. However, he does tend to turn the ball over, averaging four per game which could be a liability against Missouri which has an active defensive unit.
Mark Mitchell has also made his mark for Missouri averaging 13.5 points and 5 rebounds a game while shooting 46% from the field. While his rebounding figures and three-point shooting percentages are not the most impressive, his overall presence on the court with noticeable defensive attributes is still significant and garners attention as he averages 1.2 blocks per game. Perhaps a significant factor in edging past the stout Illinois defense will be the efficiency that Mitchell possesses with a 51% shooting rate from the Field.
The showdown between Jakucionis and Mitchell on the court will be a fun blend of tactical and athletic movements. For Jakucionis to be efficient, he has to keep a tight grip on the ball and limit his turnovers while for Mitchell he needs to add valuable assists and shoot with accuracy to be useful for his team. Their head-to head encounters could definitely be a game changer for either team in this very tight game.
Illinois Fighting Illini: Recent Form and Tactical Play
Illinois comes off a mixed bag of results, including a narrow loss to Tennessee (64-66) and a victory over Wisconsin (86-80). Their offensive firepower averages 84 points per game, with significant contributions from three-point territory. However, inconsistencies in defense and turnovers have sometimes stymied their rhythm.
Missouri Tigers: Stepping Up in Big Games
The Missouri Tigers, who have won all of their last 10 games and have scored an average of 88.7 game in the process. Their most games were held against Jacksonville State, in which Missouri claimed victory at a score of 83-72 and another match against Long Island, also in which Missouri easily won the game with a score of 88-61, aside from good shooting percentage they can control the pace of their games. Their greatest strength is and will always remain shooting percentages and a defense that pressures opponents and gets turnovers.
Trends
Illinois Fighting Illini Betting Trends
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Illinois’ last 12 games.
Illinois are 14-4 SU in their last 18 games.
Illinois are 2-4 ATS in their last 6 games against Missouri.
Illinois are 2-4 SU in their last 6 games against Missouri.
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Illinois’ last 5 games against an opponent in the Southeastern conference.
Missouri Tigers Betting Trends
Missouri are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games.
The total has gone OVER in 12 of Missouri’s last 17 games.
Missouri are 10-0 SU in their last 10 games.
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Missouri’s last 6 games against Illinois.
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Missouri’s last 5 games against an opponent in the Big Ten conference.
Illinois Fighting Illini vs. Missouri Tigers Betting Prediction
Taking into account the scoring capabilities of both teams and their past encounters, this match is set to witness a lot of scoring with the possibility of the cumulative score crossing 154. Having lost to Tennessee by a hair, Illinois would want to win this match so with a small payoff on the spread, the -4.5 mark should be easy.
Bet on Illinois to cover the spread and also look for the option of OVER on the total points. The prop bets concerning players’ statistics such as notable points and assists by Jakucionis since he has an important position in the tactics of Illinois team should also be spiced up.
Score Prediction: Illinois 82, Missouri 76
Hilbert Mayer
Sports Writer
Hilbert Mayer is a professional sports writer, betting analyst, and content strategist with over 15 years of experience in the sports industry. Before focusing on sports betting analysis and handicapping, Hilbert worked as a sports writer for various news outlets, covering everything from game recaps to in-depth matchup features. Today, he specializes in MLB, NFL, March Madness, and UFC betting, combining his journalistic background with deep statistical expertise and real-world betting insights. His proven track record, sharp reads, and ability to break down complex matchups make him a trusted voice among both casual bettors and seasoned sharps.
Published on: December 22, 2024
Last updated: March 28, 2025