Illinois vs Monmouth 11/14/22 College Basketball Picks, Predictions, Odds

The Monmouth Hawks and the Illinois Fighting Illini meet Monday in college basketball action from State Farm Center. Monmouth is 0-2 so far this year following a loss to Virginia in their last game. As for Illinois, they’re 2-0 on the year after a win versus UMKC in their most recent outing. Check back all season long for free college basketball picks at Sports Chat Place.

Monmouth has had a couple of tough matchups so far, starting with the opener versus Seton Hall. The Hawks posted just 17 first-half points in that one and lost 79-52. Tops in scoring was Myles Foster with 18 points and 15 rebounds. 

The Hawks had another difficult game against Virginia back on Friday. Monmouth scored 21 points in each half and limped to an 89-42 blowout loss. Foster was the only team player in double-figures with 10 points and four boards. 

Over on the Illinois side, it’s been smooth sailing so far. The Illini took on Eastern Illinois in their opener this year and came away with an 87-57 win. Coleman Hawkins doubled up on 23 points and 12 boards, while Terrence Shannon added 24 points. 

Game two versus UMKC wasn’t too difficult for Illinois either. The Illini bagged 47 points in the second half during an 86-48 win. Dain Dainja doubled in that one with 20 points and 15 rebounds. Shannon added 14 points with five assists. 

PICK: I’m leaning toward Illinois. The Illini have had a couple of relatively easy matchups so far this year, and they’ve taken care of business. Illinois had little trouble in their last game versus UMKC, notching 46.9 percent shooting with 43 rebounds and 15 team assists. Monmouth probably won’t put up much of a fight, so Illinois should have free rein when it comes to shot selection. It’s a thick line but I think Illinois can get there.