The Illinois Fighting Illini (14-4) are set to face off against the Northwestern Wildcats (13-5) in an exciting Big Ten showdown. With both teams looking to bolster their conference standings, this matchup at Welsh-Ryan Arena promises to be a clash of titans. Let’s run through our Illinois vs. Northwestern predictions below.
Illinois at Northwestern Odds
- Moneyline: Illinois -175 (BetRivers) / Northwestern +138 (BetRivers)
- Spread: Illinois -3.0 (Ceasars)
- Total: 146.5 (Bet365)
Game Info
- Date: Wednesday, Jan. 24
- Time: 09:00 PM
- Location: Welsh-Ryan Arena – Evanston, IL
- TV: BTN
Illinois Fighting Illini Betting Trends
- On the road, Illinois Fighting Illini are 2 and 2 this season.
- Against the spread this season, Illinois Fighting Illini are 12 and 5.
- Against the spread on the road, Illinois Fighting Illini are 5 and 0.
Northwestern Wildcats Betting Trends
- At home, Northwestern Wildcats are 9 and 1 this season.
- Against the spread this season, Northwestern Wildcats are 8 and 9.
- Against the spread at home, Northwestern Wildcats are 5 and 6.
Illinois at Northwestern Predictions
The Illinois Fighting Illini are coming into this game with a strong season record and a recent victory that has kept their momentum going. With a win percentage of 0.778, they are a formidable opponent on the court. Their offense is particularly strong, ranking 32nd in average points with 82.3 per game, and they boast a solid rebounding game, ranking 10th with an average of 43.1 rebounds per game. The return of Terrence Shannon Jr., who leads the team with an average of 21.7 points per game, could provide a significant boost, although his recent performance showed signs of rust after a suspension.
Northwestern Wildcats, on the other hand, have had a respectable season but are coming off a loss. They have a home record to be proud of, standing at 9-1, and they will be looking to leverage their home-court advantage. The Wildcats have a balanced team with Boo Buie leading in points and assists per game, and Brooks Barnhizer leading in rebounds. However, their rebounding game is weaker compared to Illinois, with an average of 30.2 rebounds per game, ranking 469th, which could be a critical factor in this matchup.
This game is not just about the offense; it’s also a test of defensive capabilities. Illinois has shown they can dominate the glass, which could pose a challenge for Northwestern. Key player matchups, like the battle of the guards between Illinois’ Shannon and Northwestern’s Buie, will be pivotal in determining the outcome. With Illinois favored by 3 points and an over/under line set at 146.5, bettors and fans alike are anticipating a closely contested battle that could go down to the wire.
Illinois at Northwestern Picks
The Illinois Fighting Illini have demonstrated a robust performance this season, especially in terms of scoring and rebounding, which are crucial in tight matchups. With an average of 82.3 points per game and a strong rebounding presence, they have the offensive firepower and defensive tenacity to control the game. Additionally, Illinois’ against-the-spread (ATS) record is impressive, particularly on the road where they are undefeated (5-0).
This suggests that they not only win but also tend to cover the spread, indicating their ability to perform under pressure away from home. The return of Terrence Shannon Jr. adds depth and scoring prowess to the Illini, despite his recent game showing some rust, his presence on the court cannot be underestimated.
While Northwestern has a solid home record, their recent loss and weaker rebounding stats compared to Illinois could be detrimental in this matchup. The Wildcats’ rebounding average ranks significantly lower, which could be exploited by Illinois’ aggressive rebounding strategy.
The Pick: Illinois -3 (BetRivers)