Betting Pick on Indiana at Illinois Odds

Written by on February 24, 2016

The #18 Indiana Hoosiers head to Illinois to take on the Fighting Illini in Big Ten basketball play. The Hoosiers (22-6) are in first place in the Big Ten and are coming off a 77-73 home win over #17 Purdue. Illinois (12-15) is in 12th place in the Big Ten. They are coming off a 69-60 loss at Wisconsin. As a reminder, be on the lookout for more odds and lines for college basketball by clicking here.

Betting Pick on Indiana at Illinois Odds & TV Info

When: Thursday, February 25, 9 PM ET Where: State Farm Center, Champaign, Illinois TV: ESPN Stream: WatchESPN Radio: 93.5 & 1070 AM (The Fan) / 107.5 FM ESPN Opening NCAAB Lines: Indiana by TBA

Why Should You Bet on the Fighting Illini?

I don’t think I would take Illinois in this game unless I could get at least eight or ten points, even with the game at Illinois. Assembly Hall is one of the toughest home gyms in the country, but Indiana also has played well on the road, particularly against the weaker teams in the Big Ten. However, I like the fact that Illinois has such intrepid shooters as Kendrick Nunn and Malcolm Hill, who kept their game against Wisconsin close by knocking down tough look after tough look.

Why Should You Put Your Money on Indiana?

indiana-at-illinois-ncaab-betting-analysis The Hoosiers are finally alone on top of the Big Ten standings, but they had to knock off an imposing Purdue team to get there. The Boilermakers have a pair of seven-footers (Isaac Haas and A.J. Hammons) and 6-9 forward Caleb Swanigan clogging up the middle, so the Hoosiers relied on their speed (scoring 20 points off turnovers to the Boilermakers’ 3) and knocking down 12 shots from behind the arc. The team forced 57 deflections on defense, and the Hoosiers turned their disadvantage inside into a speed advantage, and they were able to get the close win at home. If they can overcome such adversity against Purdue, they can manage an Illinois team that is much less threatening.

Expert Betting Pick and Final Score Prediction

I like Indiana to win this one on the road and stay in first in the Big Ten. I’m picking them to prevail over Illinois, 77-65.