Both teams are off to stronger than expected starts this season. Rutgers has beaten ranked teams in Seton Hall and Penn State already this season. Illinois beat #5 Michigan along with wins over Purdue and Wisconsin to go with a one-point loss to then #3 Maryland. Defense is the name of the game here as both teams are good on that end of the floor. Illinois has been excellent at home, going 9-1 on the year, while Rutgers is only 1-2 on the road and turns the ball over a lot. The Fighting Illini has a little better scoring depth at the top end of the equation and that, plus home court, helps them pull away for a win and cover here on Saturday afternoon.