Illinois Basketball: Betting odds, predictions, and game info against the Ohio State Buckeyes

Feb 20, 2023; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini forward Matthew Mayer (24) dunks the ball as Minnesota Golden Gophers forward Jamison Battle (10) looks on during the second half at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 20, 2023; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini forward Matthew Mayer (24) dunks the ball as Minnesota Golden Gophers forward Jamison Battle (10) looks on during the second half at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

With the Illinois basketball team being in a logjam in the Big Ten, the Ohio State game becomes that much more important.

The Illini are right in the middle of a run for the double-bye in the Big Ten Tournament. A recent triumph over Northwestern helped boost us in the standings, and now we need to knock off a reeling Buckeyes bunch.

Our record this year betting Illinois is 10-8 moneyline, 9-9 spread, and 12-7 over/under. It was a sweep this past game, as we went 3-0 against the Wildcats. Let’s see if we can finish the season strong.

Here are the Illinois basketball betting odds, predictions, and game info against the Ohio State Buckeyes.

Odds

Illinois basketball vs. Ohio State – Moneyline

Even though Ohio State has a bad record, Las Vegas sees this game as being relatively close. Illinois is only -190 on the moneyline, while Ohio State sits at +160.

Advice

I am shocked that the Illini aren’t bigger favorites in this game. I realize that this is a road Big Ten game, but the Illini are playing okay basketball and the Buckeyes are struggling immensely.

Illinois has won two games in a row, one of which was over a ranked Northwestern program that had been playing some great basketball. In the second half of that game against the Wildcats, the Illini found something we had been missing. We found a spark that should carry over into this game.

While Illinois is playing decent basketball right now, I would say what convinces me to take Illinois and the moneyline is how bad Ohio State has been.

The Buckeyes have dropped nine games in a row and 14 out of their past 15 contests. They are playing some terrible basketball right now.

It seems that Ohio State has kind of waived the white flag on the season, so this is a chance for Illinois to jump on them early and never let up. I see the Illini coming away with the win on Sunday.

Prediction – Illinois -190

Illinois basketball vs. Ohio State – Spread

Ohio State is projected to keep this game close on Sunday. They have the Buckeyes only getting 4.5 points against Illinois.

Advice

The first thing I look at when it comes to the spread is the opposing team’s three-point shooting ability. Ohio State is solid at shooting from distance.

Ohio State is currently hitting their three-pointers at a clip of 35.8% this season, which ranks No. 86 in the country. That is Illinois’ weakness, so this is an opportunity for the Buckeyes to pounce and get some points.

The Buckeyes have cooled down from three-point range as of late, though. They have only hit 35% or better from behind the three-point arc in one game out of the past eight contests.

Illinois should have plenty of opportunities to put the ball in the hoop as well. Ohio State is allowing opponents to shoot 49.3% from two-point range, and that is where Illinois shines. We are so good at getting into the lane and finishing. I expect Jayden Epps and Terrence Shannon Jr. to have big days.

Honestly, I just don’t see Ohio State coming close in this contest. They are a demoralized team that isn’t playing for much, and Illinois is vying for a double-bye. This should be an easy win for Illinois.

Prediction – Illinois -4.5

Illinois basketball vs. Ohio State – Over/Under

The over/under in the Illinois vs Ohio State game is intriguing. Las Vegas has the over/under set at 145 points.

Advice

I am slightly surprised by this over/under considering the last game these two teams played only hit 129 points. I expected something like 133.5 points.

Ohio State is a fairly slow-moving team. They only average 68.6 possessions per game, which ranks No. 249 out of 363 DI programs. That means they will likely try to slow the game down a little bit.

Even though Ohio State does slow down the game, both teams are inside the top 100 when it comes to shooting percentage this season. That is a plus for the over.

The Buckeyes haven’t exactly been a scoring juggernaut when it comes to scoring the basketball lately. During the current nine-game losing streak they are on, Ohio State is only averaging 62.7 points per game.

On the other hand, Ohio State is giving up a ton of points in the past nine games. Opposing teams are averaging 75.2 points per game during this stretch.

Illinois has been more effective than the Buckeyes in the scoring department. The Illini have averaged 72.4 points per game in the last five contests.

I see Illinois winning this game by double-digit points. I have the score finishing at 78-62 in favor of the Illini.

Prediction – Under 145 points

Illinois basketball vs. Ohio State – Game Info

Date & Time: February 26 – 11:00 a.m. CT

TV: CBS

Streaming: Fubo TV