Nebraska at Illinois

The Illinois Fighting Illini have certainly had better seasons as they take on Nebraska at home with a 15-12 record. This is a team that lacks offensive firepower, and has turned to the halfcourt to try and stay in games. That worked to perfection their last time out as they went to Minnesota and fought their way to a 62-49 win. Their last four games have all been ugly, as the total points scored between the two teams has been 438 or less than 110 per contest. The points scored in the first half has averaged just 55 points per game by both teams. Nebraska has won and covered five straight games and have allowed just 282 points in the five games at 56.4 ppg. There is little doubt that this game will be won on the defensive end of the floor, especially in the first half before late free throws can ratchet up the point total. Nebraska's weakness on the road vs. a good home team has been their flaw, as they are just 8-20-1 ATS in their last 29 on the road vs. a team with a home winning percentage greater than .600. Illinois is tough here, and Nebraska has shown a chink in the armor in this spot. Take Illinois on the moneyline, and play the first half UNDER.