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Looking to win big? The Wildcats and Fighting Illini face off at 9:00 ET on BTN. The Fighting Illini are hosting the game at State Farm Center in Champaign, IL. The over/under for this Big Ten conference contest is set at 142.5 points, with the Fighting Illini being the favored team playing at home against the Wildcats.

NORTHWESTERN WILDCATS VS ILLINOIS FIGHTING ILLINI BETTING PICK

The Pick: Illinois Fighting Illini -5.5

This game will be played at State Farm Center at 9:00 ET on Tuesday, January 2nd.

WHY BET THE ILLINOIS FIGHTING ILLINI:

  • We have this one finishing with a projected score of 76-68 in favor of the Fighting Illini.
  • Not only will Illinois pick up the win, but look for them to cover at -5.5.
  • The over/under is currently sitting at 142.5 points, and we like the over with a projected 144 points.

Will Northwestern Make it Happen on the Road?

Northwestern is getting ready for their 13th game of the season, and currently have a 10-2 record. In their last three road games, which included games from last year, Northwestern went 1-2. Prior to today's game, Northwestern holds a 5-5-2 ATS record. So far, they have gone 0-1-1 ATS on the road and 5-4-1 ATS at home.

Northwestern comes in with an over/under record of 5-7-0 through 12 games, with their games averaging a combined 136 points per game so far. In their most recent three games, the Wildcats' over/under record is 0-3, with their games averaging 116 points per game.

The Wildcats' offense finished with 74 points in their previous game, mirroring their current average of 72.9 points per contest. Ty Berry led the scoring for the Wildcats, contributing 20 points. Additionally, Ryan Langborg chipped in with 17 points.

In the current season, the Northwestern defense has excelled, sitting 24th in the nation by allowing 63.1 points per game. In their most recent game, the Northwestern defense struggled to defend the three-point line, as Jackson State knocked down 10 three-pointers on their way to 63 points.

Can Illinois Secure a Home Victory?

Today marks the 13th game of the season for Illinois who currently have a 10-2 overall record. In games away from home, the Fighting Illini have a 2-1 record, while at home they have an 8-1 record. As of today's game, Illinois holds a 6-4-2 ATS record. In their last ten games this season, Illinois has gone 3-0-2 vs. the spread.

After 12 games, Illinois has an over/under record of 6-6-0, with their games averaging a combined 148.4 points per game so far. The Fighting Illini have an over/under record of 2-1 in their last three games, with their games averaging 158 points per game.

Illinois is fresh off a strong offensive showing, putting up 104 points versus Fairleigh Dickinson. This output is higher than their season-average of 82.9 points per game. One area that the Illinois offense has been good this season is getting to the line. Currently, they are 153rd in free-throw attempts per contest. Overall, they have a field goal percentage of 47%.

At this time, the Fighting Illini's defense is positioned 57th in the country, permitting 65.5 points per game. The Illinois defense is coming off a game in which they gave up a total of 71 points and allowed Fairleigh Dickinson to connect on 13 threes.