The Ohio State Buckeyes (13-8) travel to face off against the Illinois Fighting Illini (14-7) on Sunday, February 2nd. This game will be played at State Farm Center in Champaign and televised on CBS. Ohio State is coming off a win in their previous game, while Illinois is looking to get back on track from a loss to the Nebraska. Tip-off is set for 1:00 ET.
Ohio State Buckeyes vs Illinois Fighting Illini
The Buckeyes Are Coming Off A Win
Ohio State Buckeyes Recent Game/Games
Ohio State improved to 13-8 on the season with an 83-64 win over Penn State on Thursday. The Buckeyes, who were +3.5 point underdogs, not only won but also covered the spread.
Ohio State led 43-33 at halftime and continued their strong play in the 2nd half, outscoring Penn State 40-31. The total points for the game were 147, just under the O/U line of 147.5.
The Fighting Illini Are Coming Off A Win
Illinois Fighting Illini Recent Game/Games
Illinois dropped to 14-7 on the season after an 80-74 road loss to Nebraska on Thursday. The Illini, who entered the game as -4.5 favorites, failed to cover the spread. The total points for the game ended at 154, just under the O/U line of 155.5.
After trailing 40-31 at halftime, Illinois tightened up defensively in the 2nd half, outscoring Nebraska 39-30. However, their comeback effort fell short.
Buckeyes Offense Breakdown
Ohio State put up 83 points in their latest game, shooting 46.8% from the field and 36.4% from beyond the arc. Their effective field goal percentage was 53.2%, and they hit 73.9% of their free throws, going 17-for-23 from the line.
Yanic Konan Niederhauser led the way with 21 points, shooting 57.1% from the field. John Mobley Jr. added 19 points and 8 assists, while Bruce Thornton hit 5 of 7 threes, finishing with 17 points. The Buckeyes grabbed 13 offensive rebounds and dished out 13 assists as a team.
Fighting Illini Offense Breakdown
Illinois struggled offensively in their last game, shooting just 35.6% from the field and 23.8% from beyond the arc, hitting 10 of 42 three-point attempts. Their effective field goal percentage was 42.5%, and they finished with 7 assists as a team.
Brice Williams led the way with 27 points and 8 rebounds, shooting 10 of 26 from the field. Kasparas Jakucionis added 18 points and 13 rebounds, knocking down 3 of 10 from deep.
Buckeyes Team Defense
Ohio State’s defense gave up 64 points while allowing the opposing team to shoot 45% from the field. They allowed 15 two-point field goals on 27 attempts, a 55% shooting rate.
From beyond the arc, Ohio State’s defense held the other team to 6 made threes on 19 attempts, a 31% shooting percentage. They also sent the other team to the free-throw line 29 times, where they made 16 free throws, shooting 55%.
Fighting Illini Team Defense
Ohio State’s defense held their opponent to 64 points, despite allowing them to shoot 45% from the field. The Buckeyes gave up 15 two-point baskets on 27 attempts, a 55% shooting rate.
From beyond the arc, Ohio State’s defense limited their opponent to 6 threes on 19 attempts, a 31% success rate. They also sent their opponent to the free-throw line 29 times, where they converted 16, shooting 55%. The Buckeyes allowed just 4 offensive rebounds.
Buckeyes vs Fighting Illini Trends
- Through their last ten road contests, the Buckeyes offense has averaged 72 points per game while allowing an average of 75. Ohio State posted an overall record of 5-5 while going 6-4 ATS.
- Across the Fighting Illini last three home games, the team averaged 82 points per game while allowing 76. Their record vs the spread in these contests was 1-2, while going 1-2 straight-up.
- Ohio State has done well both straight up and vs the spread as the underdog, going 2-1 SU and 2-1 ATS in their last three games.
- In their last ten games as the betting favorite, the Fighting Illini have a straight up record of 7-3 and an ATS mark of 4-6.
Buckeyes vs Fighting Illini Prediction
The Fighting Illini is our pick to not only win with a projected score of 77-69. But we also favor them to cover the spread. Our bet is on the Fighting Illini at -6.5.
Regarding the over/under, the current line is set at 156, and our model predicts the Buckeyes and Fighting Illini to score a combined 146 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:February 2, 2025 Illinois Fighting Illini, Ohio State Buckeyes