Illinois Fighting Illini vs Oregon Ducks NCAA Basketball Betting Pick & Prediction 1/2/25
Don’t miss out on the NCAA showdown between the Fighting Illini and Ducks. The game is starting at 10:00 ET on FS1, and it’s hosted by the Ducks at Matthew Knight Arena in Eugene, OR. Get ready to place your bets! The over/under for this game is set at 156.5 points, and Oregon is favored by -4.5 vs. Illinois in a Big Ten conference matchup.
ILLINOIS FIGHTING ILLINI VS OREGON DUCKS BETTING PICK
The Pick: Illinois Fighting Illini +4.5
This game will be played at Matthew Knight Arena at 10:00 ET on Thursday, January 2nd.
WHY BET THE ILLINOIS FIGHTING ILLINI:
- We have this one finishing with a projected score of 75-72 in favor of the Ducks.
- Even though we have Oregon winning straight-up, we like Illinois at +4.5.
- The over/under is currently sitting at 156.5 points, and we like the under with a projected 147 points.
Will Illinois Make it Happen on the Road?
Illinois improved to 9-3 on the season with a dominant 117-64 win over Chicago State on Sunday. Playing at home, the Illini entered the game as -38.5 favorites and covered the spread. The teams combined for 181 points, surpassing the over/under line of 150.5.
Illinois took control early, leading 60-24 at halftime. They continued to roll in the second half, scoring 57 points while allowing 40.
Illinois put up 117 points in their last game, shooting 62.1% from the field and 45.5% from three-point range. Their effective field goal percentage was an impressive 72.7%, with 26 assists and 11 offensive rebounds.
Tomislav Ivisic led the way with 23 points and 5 assists, hitting 3 of 4 from deep. Gabe Spinelli added 20 points, connecting on 4 of 5 threes, while Kylan Boswell recorded a double-double with 18 points and 10 assists.
Despite Illinois giving up 64 points, their defense struggled, allowing the opponent to shoot 62% from the field. The Illini couldn’t contain the two-point attack, with the opposition hitting 78% of their shots inside the arc.
Illinois also allowed 15 threes on 45% shooting. The opponent went to the line 28 times, making 20 free throws. Illinois gave up 11 offensive rebounds in the game.
Can Oregon Live Up to the Hype at Home?
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, who were -21 point favorites, covered the spread in this home game.
Oregon led 40-23 at halftime and continued their strong play in the 2nd half, outscoring Weber State 49-26. The total points for the game were 138, just under the O/U line of 143.5.
Oregon’s offense was firing on all cylinders in their latest game, putting up 89 points on 55% shooting from the field. Their effective field goal percentage was an impressive 63.3%, thanks in part to hitting 63.2% of their two-point attempts and 40.9% from beyond the arc. At the free-throw line, they connected on 82.4%, going 14-for-17.
Brandon Angel was perfect from the field, going 5-for-5 and hitting his only three-point attempt, finishing with 14 points and 7 rebounds in 20 minutes. Jackson Shelstad led the team with 16 points, shooting 70% overall and 50% from three-point range. Jadrian Tracey also contributed 14 points, knocking down 4 of 5 threes.
Despite Oregon’s defensive struggles, they managed to hold their opponent to 49 points. However, the Ducks allowed their opponent to shoot 55% from the field, including 63% on two-point attempts.
From beyond the arc, Oregon’s opponent hit 9 of 22 threes, shooting 40%. The Ducks also sent them to the free-throw line 17 times, where they converted 14 attempts, shooting 82%.