First Place in the Big Ten | Ohio St vs Illinios | OSB
Illinois vs. Ohio State
The Illinois Fighting Illini will travel to the Value City Arena to take on the Ohio State Buckeyes in an Big Ten matchup (12:00 p.m. ET, CBS). The Illini will look to add to their two-game winning streak in this game. On Thursday night Illinois defeated the Northwestern Wildcats 66-62. Meanwhile, the Buckeyes need a win desperately as they are on a nine-game losing streak. On Thursday night Ohio State lost to the Penn State Nittany Lions 75-71.
Illinois Basketball
The Fighting Illini are currently three games back from first place in the Big Ten standings. Illinois is 19-9 on the season and 10-7 in conference play. The Fighting Illini have struggled on the road this season as they are 3-5 this season as the away team. Look to see if Illinois can fix their problems on the road when they travel to face the Buckeyes.
Illinois has gotten a lot of production from their players this season. They have four players averaging double digit points on the season. The Fighting Illini this year have been led by senior guard Terrence Shannon Jr. Shannon Jr. is averaging 17.3 points (Which leads the team) a game on the season. He has gotten help from senior forward Matthew Mayer who is averaging 12.6 points a game on the season.
In their win against Northwestern at home, it was all Shannon Jr. as he finished with 26 points. He shot 8-10 from the field and 4-5 from the three-point line. He scored 24 of his 26 points in the second half. Mayer also had a monster game finishing with 14 points and 8 rebounds. In the win Illinois shot 44.0% from the field and 29.2% from the three-point line in the game.
Offensively, the Fighting Illini have been averaging 74.7 points a game. Defensively, though they have been great only allowing teams to score an average of 65.3 points a game. Look to see if Illinois’ defense can shut down the Buckeyes in this game.
Ohio State Basketball
With an 11-17 record on the season and an 3-14 record in conference play, the Buckeyes are in second to last place in the Big Ten standings. Ohio State has struggled this year because of their problems at home. The Buckeyes are 8-6 at home this season. Look to see if they can fix their problems at home when the Fighting Illini come and visit them.
Ohio State has gotten production from a lot of their players this year. They have three players averaging double digit points on the season. Freshman forward Brice Sensabaugh has been leading the Buckeyes this year as he leads the team in points. Sensabaugh is averaging 16.6 points a game on the season. They are also, led by their senior forward Justice Sueing who is averaging 11.9 points a game this season.
In their loss against Penn State on the road, Sesabaugh tried everything to get the Buckeyes the win. He finished with 20 points and 5 rebounds. Freshman guard Bruce Thornton also had a great game finishing with 19 points. In the loss Ohio State shot 46.0% from the floor and 34.8% from the three-point line.
Offensively, the Buckeyes are averaging 73.0 points a game on the season. Defensively, Ohio State has been allowing teams to score an average of 69.4 points a game on the season. Look to see if they can get something going against the Fighting Illini.
Illinois vs. Ohio State Betting Odds
Betting odds courtesy of Caesar
- Spread: Illinois Fighting Illini -3
- Over/Under: 146
- Moneyline: (Check back in later)
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Illinois vs. Ohio State all-time series
The Fighting Illini and the Buckeyes have played each other 133 times since both teams were classified as major schools. Illinois has the advantage in the series with a 71-62 record against Ohio State. The last time these two teams faced each other was earlier this season on Jan. 24th when the Fighting Illini won 69-60. In the win Shannon Jr. led the way finishing with 17 points and 7 rebounds. Mayer also had a great finishing with 12 points and 8 rebounds.
Illinois vs. Ohio State Trends
– Illinois is 5-3 ATS on the road this year.
– Ohio State is 5-9 ATS at home this year.
– The Fighting Illini are 10-7 ATS in conference play this year.
– The Buckeyes are 2-15 ATS in conference play this year.
– The Fighting Illini are 10-8 ATS following a win this year.
– The Buckeyes are 4-12 ATS following a loss this year.
Illinois vs. Ohio State Prediction
I love Illinois here in this game. I think Ohio State has quit and packed it in. The Buckeyes look dead this season. I also can’t trust a team who is 2-15 ATS in conference play this season. I think Illinois had the size to matchup well against Ohio State. I think Terrence Shannon Jr. has a monster game as Illinois rolls through Ohio State 75-58.
Illinois vs. Ohio State Prediction: The Illinois Fighting Illini cover the spread (-3).
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