Coming off a tough loss, the men’s Illinois basketball team is ready to rebound against a bad Valparaiso Beacons program.
The Illini need this get-right game. We learned what some of the issues were with the team, and now we can fix those holes in what should be a tune-up game for the rest of the non-conference.
As you are watching Illinois destroy Valparaiso, why not make a few dollars? For the 2023-24 season, we are 6-6 (0-4 spread, 5-0 o/u, 1-0 ML, 0-2 props)
Here is the game info and best bets for the Illinois basketball game against Valparaiso
Game Info
- Illinois Fighting Illini vs. Valparaiso Beacons
- Time: 7:00 p.m. CT
- Date: November 17, 2023
- Location: Champaign, Illinois (State Farm Center)
- TV: BTN+
Best Bets
- Illinois -25.5 (-110) (Spread) (Game)
This isn’t your father’s Valparaiso squad. They aren’t good anymore, at that was evident last season when the Beacons finished with 11 wins. The only major conference program they played was Ole Miss, and they lost by 37 in that game.
Valparaiso has already lost this season to an IUPUI team that won a total of five games in 2022-23. Look for the Illinois guards to suffocate the Beacons’ guards. I think we have a chance to steamroll over Valparaiso on Friday night.
- Over 134.5 Points (-110) (Over/Under) (Game)
The Beacons have only played two DI programs this season, and they are averaging 60 points per game, which ranks No. 311 out of 363 teams. They will be going up against an Illinois team that gives up just 58.7 points per game, which ranks No. 21 in the country.
I think Illinois’ defense comes out and gives up fewer than 55 points against Valparaiso. With that being said, can the Illini score at least 81 points to hit the over/under? Honestly, I think there is a good chance. Even when the game gets out of hand, we have depth. The second and third rotations will still be able to score. I am going over.
Risky Bets
- Valparaiso Race to 10 points (+500) (Props) (1st Half)
If you want a chance for a quick buck, look for Valparaiso to win the battle to 10 points. I know that sounds crazy, but Illinois has started so slowly in each of the first three games. We don’t start playing until about the 10-minute mark in the first half.
Illinois has not won the race to 10 points to start a game this season, yet in the Eastern Illinois and Oakland games, we only gave up 52 and 53 points, respectively. You will be risking some money, but this is a sneaky good bet.