The Illinois Fighting Illini (14-6) travel to face off against the Nebraska Cornhuskers (12-8) on Thursday, January 30th. This game will be played at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln and televised on FS1. Illinois is coming off a win in their previous game, while Nebraska is looking to get back on track from a loss to the Wisconsin. Tip-off is set for 8:30 ET.
Illinois Fighting Illini vs Nebraska Cornhuskers
The Fighting Illini Are Coming Off A Win
Illinois Fighting Illini Recent Game/Games
Illinois improved to 14-6 on the season with an 83-74 win over Northwestern on Sunday. The Illini, who were -8 favorites, covered the spread in the victory.
Illinois dominated the first half, leading 43-21 at the break, but allowed 53 points in the 2nd half while scoring 40. The total points for the game went over the 152.5 O/U line, finishing at 157.
The Cornhuskers Are Coming Off A Win
Nebraska Cornhuskers Recent Game/Games
Nebraska’s season record dropped to 12-8 after an 83-55 loss to Wisconsin on Sunday. The Cornhuskers were +7.5 point underdogs going into the game and failed to cover the spread.
Nebraska trailed 40-28 at halftime and struggled in the second half, scoring just 27 points while allowing 43. The total points for the game were 138, coming in under the 150.5-point line.
Fighting Illini Offense Breakdown
Illinois put up 83 points in their last game, shooting 44.6% from the field with an effective field goal percentage of 52.3%. They were strong inside, hitting 60.6% of their two-point attempts, but struggled from beyond the arc, connecting on just 28.1% of their threes (9/32). At the free-throw line, they shot 66.7% (16/24).
The Illini dominated the offensive glass, grabbing 21 offensive rebounds, and dished out 18 assists. Kylan Boswell, Nick Martinelli, and Jalen Leach each scored 17 points, with Leach hitting 2 of 5 threes. Morez Johnson Jr. added 15 points on 62.5% shooting, and Kasparas Jakucionis contributed 11 points and 10 rebounds, along with 7 assists.
Cornhuskers Offense Breakdown
Nebraska’s offense struggled in their last game, scoring just 55 points on 33.9% shooting from the field. They connected on 10 of 30 three-point attempts, shooting 33.3% from deep, while their two-point shooting was even worse at 34.4% (11/32). The Cornhuskers also struggled at the free-throw line, hitting just 3 of 8 attempts (37.5%).
John Tonje led the way for Nebraska, scoring 27 points and hitting 5 of 11 threes. John Blackwell added 14 points, shooting 57.1% from beyond the arc (4/7). Kamari McGee also contributed, making 3 of 5 threes and finishing with 11 points on 66.7% shooting overall.
Fighting Illini Team Defense
Illinois gave up 74 points in their last game, with opponents shooting 44% from the field. They allowed 60% shooting on two-point attempts, as the other team went 20/33.
From beyond the arc, Illinois held their opponent to 28% shooting, with 9/32 threes made. They also sent the other team to the line 24 times, where they hit 16 free throws for 66%.
Cornhuskers Team Defense
Illinois gave up 74 points in their last game, with the opposing team shooting 44% from the field. They allowed 29 made field goals on 65 attempts.
Inside the arc, Illinois allowed 20 two-point baskets on 33 attempts, a 60% shooting rate. From three-point range, the opposing team shot 28%, hitting 9 of 32 attempts. Illinois also sent them to the free-throw line 24 times, where they made 16 free throws, shooting 66%.
Fighting Illini vs Cornhuskers Trends
- Across the Fighting Illini last three road games, the team averaged 84 points per game while allowing 75. Their record vs the spread in these contests was 1-2, while going 2-1 straight-up.
- In their last five games at home, the Cornhuskers have a straight up record of 1-4 while going 2-3 vs. the spread. The team averaged 69 points per game in this stretch.
- In their last three games as the betting underdog, the Cornhuskers have a straight up record of 0-3 and an ATS mark of 1-2.
- As the betting favorite, the Fighting Illini have an ATS record of 2-1 in their last three games. In these matchups, their straight up record was 2-1.
Fighting Illini vs Cornhuskers Prediction
The Cornhuskers come in as the underdog at +2.5, making them our top choice on the point spread. We not only expect them to cover the spread but also believe they have a strong chance of winning the game outright, especially if you’re aiming for a higher moneyline payout.
Regarding the over/under, the current line is set at 154.5, and our model predicts the Fighting Illini and Cornhuskers to score a combined 145 points. We recommend betting on the under.
All odds are courtesy of Action247 Sportsbook. Good luck!!
* All odds are provided by Action247 Sportsbook and all odds subject to change.**All views expressed are my own. My picks are my own and are not a guarantee, bet at your own risk.Action247 does not warrant the accuracy of completeness of the information, text, graphics, links or other items contained within these post.
Last updated:January 30, 2025 Illinois Fighting Illini, Nebraska Cornhuskers