<p>Planning on watching today's Wildcats and Fighting Illini game? Catch the action at State Farm Center in Champaign, IL, as the Fighting Illini hosts this showdown at 3:00 ET on BTN. The over/under for this game is set at 147.5 points, and Illinois is favored by -8.5 vs. Northwestern in a Big Ten conference matchup.</p><h3>NORTHWESTERN WILDCATS VS ILLINOIS FIGHTING ILLINI BETTING PICK</h3><p>The Pick: Northwestern Wildcats +8.5</p><p>This game will be played at State Farm Center at 3:00 ET on Sunday, January 26th.</p><h3>WHY BET THE NORTHWESTERN WILDCATS:</h3><ul><li>We have this one finishing with a projected score of 76-70 in favor of the Fighting Illini.</li><li>Even though we have Illinois winning straight-up, we like Northwestern at +8.5.</li><li>The over/under is currently sitting at 147.5 points, and we like the under with a projected 146 points.</li></ul><h3>Will the Wildcats Defense Show Up in Champaign?</h3><p>Northwestern improved to 12-7 on the season following a 79-70 win over Indiana on Wednesday. The Wildcats, who were -5 favorites, covered the spread in the victory. The total points for the game reached 149, surpassing the O/U line of 139.5.</p> <p>After trailing 31-25 at halftime, Northwestern turned things around in the 2nd half, scoring 54 points while holding Indiana to 39.</p><p>Northwestern's offense put up 79 points in their last game, shooting 48.3% from the field and hitting 13 of 27 three-pointers at a 48.1% rate. Their effective field goal percentage was 58.6%, and they grabbed 12 offensive rebounds, with 18 assists as a team.</p> <p>Ty Berry led the way with 23 points, hitting 7 of 10 from deep, while Brooks Barnhizer added 21 points and 6 assists. Mackenzie Mgbako contributed 20 points, and Nick Martinelli scored 18, shooting 63.6% overall and 66.7% from three.</p><p>Northwestern's defense struggled in their last game, giving up 70 points while allowing the opposing team to shoot 48% from the field. They conceded 28 field goals on 58 attempts, including 15 two-pointers on 31 attempts, also at a 48% clip.</p> <p>From beyond the arc, Northwestern allowed 13 threes on 27 attempts, with the opposing team shooting 48% from distance. They also sent the other team to the free-throw line 17 times, where they converted 10 free throws, shooting 58%. Northwestern gave up 12 offensive rebounds.</p><h3>Can the Fighting Illini Deliver Being Favored at Home?</h3><h3>Illinois Fighting Illini Recent Game/Games</h3> 

<p>Illinois dropped to 13-6 on the season following a 91-70 home loss to Maryland on Thursday. The Illini, who were -6 favorites, not only lost but also failed to cover the spread.</p> 

<p>After trailing 38-35 at halftime, Illinois allowed 53 points in the 2nd half while scoring just 35. The game’s total points of 161 went over the pre-game O/U line of 157.5.</p><p>Illinois struggled from the field in their last game, shooting just 37.7% overall and 21.4% from three-point range, hitting only 6 of 28 attempts. Their effective field goal percentage was 42.6%, but they managed to connect on 75% of their free throws, going 18 for 24.</p> <p>Julian Reese led the way with 27 points and 17 rebounds, shooting 52.2% from the field. Derik Queen was efficient as well, hitting 76.9% of his shots and adding 25 points and 6 rebounds. Kasparas Jakucionis contributed 21 points and 7 assists, despite shooting 35.7% and missing all 4 of his three-point attempts.</p><p>Despite Illinois holding their opponent to 37% shooting from the field, they still gave up 91 points. The defense allowed 51% shooting on two-pointers, with the opposing team hitting 17 of 33 attempts.</p> <p>From beyond the arc, Illinois limited their opponent to just 6 made threes on 28 attempts, a 21% shooting performance. However, they sent the other team to the free-throw line 24 times, where they converted 18 of those attempts, shooting 75%.</p>

Northwestern Wildcats vs Illinois Fighting Illini NCAA Basketball Betting Pick & Prediction 1/26/25

BetDSI

Bookmaker

Bet US

 Up to $250 in Free Bets + 100 Free Spins

Northwestern Wildcats vs Illinois Fighting Illini NCAA Basketball Betting Pick & Prediction 1/26/25

BetDSI

Bookmaker

Bet US

BetOnline

Bovada