No. 1 Tennessee will put its unbeaten record on the line when it takes on Illinois at 5:30 p.m. ET on FOX. With the Vols only laying 1.5 points, are they the wise bet in this evening’s Tennessee vs. Illinois matchup?
Game Matchup & Betting Odds
Tennessee Volunteers (-1.5) at Illinois Fighting Illini (+1.5); o/u 147
5:15 p.m. ET, Saturday, December 14, 2024
State Farm Center, Champaign, IL
Tennessee vs. Illinois Public Betting: Bettors Taking Points
Our CBB Public Betting Information page indicates that 64% of public bettors are currently backing Tennessee when it comes to the spread. This information is subject to change throughout the day, however, so be sure to check the link so you’re receiving the most up-to-date public betting data.
Zeigler thriving as Vols’ facilitator
Zakai Zeigler amassed 13 points (4-9 FG, 1-5 3Pt, 4-5 FT), five rebounds, nine assists and one block over 37 minutes during Tuesday’s 75-62 win over Miami (FL). Zeigler is averaging a career-high 8.0 assists, helping the No. 1 Volunteers’ offense operate smoothly and efficiently. He hasn’t been a slouch scoring the ball, either, averaging 12.1 points on 42.9 percent from the field (both career highs). Zeigler is playing like the ultimate team player right now, and he’s a big reason why Tennessee remains undefeated.
Ivisic notches double-double in defeat
Tomislav Ivisic totaled 15 points (5-11 FG, 2-5 3Pt, 3-4 FT), 12 rebounds, five assists and one block in 38 minutes during Friday’s 70-66 OT loss to Northwestern. Ivisic logged his fifth double-double of the 2024-25 season, closing with 15 points, 12 rebounds, five assists and a block during Friday’s narrow loss against the Wildcats. The 7-foot-1 sophomore continues to excel with the Fighting Illini, averaging 16.1 points, 9.3 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 1.4 steals and 1.1 blocks across eight starts. The two-way center will look to stand tall against Wisconsin on Tuesday.
Tennessee vs. Illinois CBB Prediction:
Take Tennessee. According to ESPN.com’s Basketball Power Index, Tennessee has the third-highest rating (21.7) behind only Houston (22.6) and Duke (21.8). The Vols have the second-highest defensive rating (11.3) behind only Houston (12.8) and the seventh-highest offensive rating (10.4). Tennessee is also a perfect 9-0 on the season and is 7-2 against the spread.
Tennessee vs. Illinois College Hoops Prediction: Tennessee Vols -1.5