Fighting Illini vs. Buckeyes Prediction
The 23rd-ranked Illinois Fighting Illini can move into a four-way tie for first place in the Big Ten Conference standings with a win today at the Ohio State Buckeyes. Can Illinois navigate the tough road waters and secure a win as the underdogs?
Game Snapshot
663 Illinois Fighting Illini at 664 Ohio State Buckeyes
Thursday, March 5, 2020
Value City Arena at 7PM ET
TV: ESPN
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According to oddsmakers, the Buckeyes are a 5.5-point favorite on the spread line. The over-under sits at 132 points. As of Thursday morning, 61 percent of public bets are being placed on visiting Illinois. Check out our College Basketball Public Betting Page for the latest information.
Fighting Illini edge Hoosiers
Illinois secured a 67-66 home victory Sunday over Indiana to improve to 20-9 overall and 12-6 in conference play. The Fighting Illini outscored the Hoosiers 31-30 in the second half and hit a key late basket to clinch it. Ayo Dosunmu led Illinois with 17 points on 6-of-15 shooting including 1-of-2 from 3-point distance plus 4-of-6 at the free throw line. He also pulled down three rebounds. Andres Feliz accounted for 15 points, seven boards, four assists and three steals. Kofi Cockburn added 15 points, six blocked shots and five caroms.
Buckeyes win third straight
Ohio State rolled to a 77-63 home win Sunday afternoon over rival Michigan to move to 20-9 overall and 10-8 in Big Ten Conference action. The Buckeyes outscored the Wolverines 45-34 in the second half to put it away. Duane Washington Jr. led OSU with 20 points on 6-of-14 shooting including 5-of-7 from 3-point distance plus 3-of-4 at the charity stripe. He also tallied six rebounds and three assists. C.J. Walker accounted for 15 points, seven dimes and six boards. Andre Wesson contributed 14 points, two caroms and two blocked shots. Kaleb Wesson had 14 points and nine rebounds. Luther Muhammad added 10 points, three boards and two steals.
College Basketball Betting Trends
Illinois
The Fighting Illini are 5-2 ATS in their last seven road games. The underdog is 5-1 ATS in the last six meetings.
Ohio State
The Buckeyes are 7-0 ATS in their last seven games as a favorite. The home team is 1-5 ATS in the last six meetings.
Prediction:
Illinois has had a strong season and have played well as of late, but I feel like it is going into a hornet’s nest today against an Ohio State team that feels it can beat anyone at any time. The Buckeyes have been in fantastic form on both ends of the court and would love to play spoiler against an Illini team that has aspirations of at least a share of the Big Ten Conference title. Look for another strong performance out out of Ohio State as it covers this spread.
COLLEGE BASKETBALL DAILY PREDICTION: OHIO STATE BUCKEYES -5.5