USA - NCAA Men
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by Lou Aguila in NCAA Men Picks
The Illinois Fighting Illini are -176 moneyline favorites as they brace for their 2025-26 Big Ten debut against conference powerhouse, the Ohio State Buckeyes, on Wednesday at Value City Arena.
Current Form:
Illinois recorded its second win over a ranked team last weekend after topping the No.13 Tennessee Volunteers, 75-62. Tomislav Ivisic and Keaton Wagler recorded 16 points each, and Kylan Boswell scored 15 to lead the offense for the Fighting Illini. Senior guard Kylan Boswell averages a team-high 17.0 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game this season.
Ohio State improved to 7-1 after edging the Northwestern Wildcats, 86-82, on December 6. The Buckeyes shot 57 percent from the field and dished 24 assists in this game. Brandon Noel lit up with 29 points, and Bruce Thornton scored 17 points to lead the charge for Ohio State. The Buckeyes are set for their first litmus test this Tuesday when they take on their first-ranked opponent this season.
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Illinois vs Ohio State Buckeyes Form
Table
| Teams | % | P | W | L | Series |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
7
|
1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 |
|
12
|
0.5 | 2 | 1 | 1 | -1 |
Illinois and Ohio State Buckeyes Latest Matches
4/6 (67%)
2/6 (33%)
Dec 6, 2025 - NCAA Men
Nov 28, 2025 - NCAA Men
Nov 24, 2025 - NCAA Men
Nov 22, 2025 - NCAA Men
Nov 19, 2025 - NCAA Men
Nov 14, 2025 - NCAA Men
5/6 (83%)
1/6 (17%)
Nov 24, 2025 - NCAA Men
Nov 22, 2025 - NCAA Men
Nov 19, 2025 - NCAA Men
Nov 14, 2025 - NCAA Men
Nov 11, 2025 - NCAA Men
Nov 7, 2025 - NCAA Men
2/6 (33%)
4/6 (67%)
Dec 6, 2025 - NCAA Men
Nov 28, 2025 - NCAA Men
Mar 23, 2025 - NCAA Basketball
Mar 14, 2025 - NCAA Men
Mar 2, 2025 - NCAA Men
Feb 22, 2025 - NCAA Men
5/6 (83%)
1/6 (17%)
Dec 6, 2025 - NCAA Men
Nov 28, 2025 - NCAA Men
Nov 25, 2025 - NCAA Men
Nov 20, 2025 - NCAA Men
Nov 16, 2025 - NCAA Men
Nov 11, 2025 - NCAA Men
6/6 (100%)
0/6 (0%)
Nov 25, 2025 - NCAA Men
Nov 20, 2025 - NCAA Men
Nov 16, 2025 - NCAA Men
Nov 11, 2025 - NCAA Men
Nov 7, 2025 - NCAA Men
Nov 3, 2025 - NCAA Men
2/6 (33%)
4/6 (67%)
Dec 6, 2025 - NCAA Men
Nov 28, 2025 - NCAA Men
Mar 8, 2025 - NCAA Men
Feb 26, 2025 - NCAA Men
Feb 23, 2025 - NCAA Men
Feb 9, 2025 - NCAA Men
Illinois against Ohio State Buckeyes : Head to Head (H2H)
Feb 2, 2025 - NCAA Men
Illinois - Ohio State Buckeyes Key Points
- Illinois is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games.
- Illinois is 3-10 SU in its last 13 games when playing on the road against Ohio State.
- Ohio State is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games.
- Ohio State is 7-0 SU in its last 7 games at home.
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Our Illinois vs Ohio State Buckeyes Prediction
Fearless Forecast: I actually like Ohio State’s chance to pull off a minor upset in this matchup. The Buckeyes are 7-1 in their first 8 games and 7-0 in their last 7 home games. They are 10-3 SU in their last 13 games when playing at home against Illinois. They have a decent offense that generates 88.1 points per game and a solid defense that has allowed an average of 69.1 points per game. Now, Illinois isn’t going to be an easy opponent because they can control the boards, averaging 43.0 rebounds per game (20th game). Still, I believe the Buckeyes will gut out a win and barge into the top-25 this week.
Our betting prediction for Illinois vs. Ohio State: Ohio State will win.
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