Ohio State Buckeyes vs Illinois Prediction & Picks - 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.
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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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Ohio State Buckeyes vs Illinois Form
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Ohio State Buckeyes - Illinois 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 Ohio State Buckeyes vs Illinois 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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