The Illinois Fighting Illini (9-3) travel to face off against the Oregon Ducks (12-1) on Thursday, January 2nd. This game will be played at Matthew Knight Arena in Eugene and televised on FS1. Both team’s come into this one having won their previous games. Tip-off is set for 10:00 ET.

Illinois Fighting Illini vs Oregon Ducks

The Fighting Illini Are Coming Off A Win

Illinois improved to 9-3 on the season with a dominant 117-64 win over Chicago State on Sunday. The Illini, who were -38.5 point favorites, covered the spread and the game’s total points of 181 went over the 150.5 O/U line.

Illinois took control early, leading 60-24 at halftime, and continued their strong play in the second half, outscoring the Cougars 57-40.

The Ducks Are Coming Off A Win

Oregon Ducks Recent Game/Games

Oregon improved to 12-1 on the season with an 89-49 win over Weber State on Sunday. The Ducks, playing at home, were -21 point favorites and covered the spread. The total points for the game were 138, just under the O/U line of 143.5.

Oregon led 40-23 at halftime and continued their strong play in the 2nd half, scoring 49 points while holding Weber State to 26 points after the break.

Fighting Illini Offense Breakdown

Illinois put up 117 points in their last game, shooting 62.1% from the field and 45.5% from three-point range, hitting 15 of 33 attempts. Their effective field goal percentage was an impressive 72.7%, with a two-point shooting percentage of 78.8% (26/33). They also connected on 20 of 28 free throws, shooting 71.4% from the line.

The Illini dished out 26 assists, with Kylan Boswell recording a double-double with 18 points and 10 rebounds. Tomislav Ivisic led the team with 23 points, hitting 3 of 4 threes and adding 5 assists. Gabe Spinelli contributed 20 points, shooting 4 of 5 from beyond the arc.

Ducks Offense Breakdown

Oregon’s offense was firing on all cylinders in their last game, putting up 89 points with a 55% shooting performance from the field. Their effective field goal percentage was an impressive 63.3%, thanks in part to their 63.2% shooting on two-point attempts and 40.9% from beyond the arc. They also connected on 82.4% of their free throws, going 14-for-17 from the line.

Jackson Shelstad led the way with 16 points, shooting 70% from the field and 50% from three-point range. Blaise Threatt added 15 points, while Brandon Angel and Jadrian Tracey each chipped in 14 points. Angel was perfect from the field, hitting all 5 of his shots, including 1-for-1 from three, and Tracey hit 4 of 5 from deep.

Fighting Illini Team Defense

Illinois struggled defensively, giving up 64 points while allowing the opposition to shoot 62% from the field. The Fighting Illini couldn’t contain the two-point shooting, with their opponents hitting 26 of 33 shots for a 78% success rate.

From beyond the arc, Illinois allowed 15 threes on 33 attempts, a 45% shooting performance. They also sent their opponents to the free-throw line 28 times, where they converted 20 free throws at a 71% clip. Illinois gave up 11 offensive rebounds in the game.

Ducks Team Defense

Despite Illinois allowing 64 points, they struggled defensively, giving up a 62% shooting performance on 41/66 from the field. The Illini had particular trouble inside, where they allowed 26/33 shooting (78%) on two-point attempts.

From beyond the arc, Illinois allowed 15/33 shooting (45%). They also sent their opponent to the free-throw line 28 times, where they converted 20 free throws (71%). Illinois gave up 11 offensive rebounds in the game.

Fighting Illini vs Ducks Trends

• In their last ten games away from home, the Fighting Illini have a straight up record of 6-4 while going 5-5 vs. the spread. The team averaged 77 points per game in this stretch.
• In their last five home games, Oregon has averaged 77 points per game while allowing 68. The team’s record in this stretch was 5-0 while going 5-0 vs. the spread.
• The last ten games that Illinois was the underdog, they have an ATS mark of 5-3-2 while going 4-6 straight up.
• Spanning across their last ten games as the betting favorite, the Ducks have gone 6-4 vs the spread. Their overall record in these games was 9-1.

Fighting Illini vs Ducks Prediction

When looking to get a point-spread pick down in this Ducks vs. Ducks game, our recommendation is to take the Ducks at -4.5. Despite our model showing the Ducks winning 75-72, we like Fighting Illini as our point-spread pick.

As for the over/under, the the line is currently at 156.5, and our model projects the Fighting Illini and Ducks to reach a combined total of 147 points. Our bet is on taking the under.

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All odds are courtesy of Action247 Sportsbook. Good luck!!

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* 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.