The BPI analysis of ESPN predicts the result of the basketball in Illinois Vs. no. 18 Purdue

Last Sunday, the ESPN basketball power index offered Illinois (19-11, 11-8 Big Ten) only a chance of 41.0 percent to win then. 15 Michigan on the road. But Illini beat the chances in a convincing fashion, cruising with a 93-73 victory on the road.

On Friday, when Illinois takes the number 18 Purdue at State Farm Center (7:00 pm on Fox), the roles will be reversed. Playing at home and has assigned a probability of winning 59.6 percent, Illini will hope this time to maintain.

With the losing at home in Illinois at the Big Bottom Feeder USC in early January (despite a probability of 90.5 percent) and a more recent home defeat against Michigan (after receiving a 65.6 percent chance of winning), Illini did not always work this season.

But working in their favor is an opponent who was an uncharacteristic average on the road for a Purdue team – the boilers fell into each of the last three outings outside the Macked Arena.

However, if it is a team coached by Painter Matt, it is dangerous on any floor. Earlier this season, Purdue traveled west to Eugene, Oregon, for a match with then. 13 ducks took them 65-58 on the road, despite the ESPN values ​​that favor Oregon.

In order for the boilers to exceed the chances and add another Big Ten Road victory in their CV at the end of this week, they will probably need a frightening presentation beyond the arch and another brand performance from the guardian of Braden Smith.

But if Illini can return to Smith and boiler bombing while collapsing with an offensive glass with five bodies – Illinois has significant advantages of size and athletics in this match – it should once again prove the ESPN prophetic.

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