Illinois Fighting Illini vs Ohio State Cyclones 2/26/2023 Picks, Odds and Previews
The Illinois Fighting Illini come into Sunday’s game against Ohio State with a solid 19-9 record and fifth place in the Big Ten conference. They have won six of their last ten games and are currently on a two-game winning streak. Despite their recent success, the Fighting Illini have struggled on the road this season with a 3-5 record away from home. One of their strengths, however, is their ability to grab rebounds, as they average 36 per game – an impressive ranking of 18th in the country. Leading the team in rebounds is Coleman Hawkins, who averages 6.4 per game.
Offensively, the Fighting Illini are averaging 74.7 points per game on 45.5 percent shooting, with Terrence Shannon Jr. leading the way with an average of 17.3 points and 4.8 rebounds per game. Matthew Mayer is also a key contributor, averaging 12.6 points and 5.4 rebounds. Defensively, they allow 65.3 points per game on 40.6 percent shooting and are particularly effective at defending the three-point shot, allowing opponents to shoot just 33.5 percent from deep. Their shooting from beyond the arc could use some improvement, however, as they shoot just 31.4 percent from long range.
- Illinois is 2-4 ATS in their last 6 outings with the Cyclones.
- The Illinois Fighting Illini is 5-11 SU in their last 16 games against Ohio State.
- The Fighting Illini is 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games on the road.
Illinois Fighting Illini vs Ohio State Cyclones 2/26/2023 Picks, Odds and Previews
The Ohio State Buckeyes remain at home on Sunday and will welcome in the Illinois Fighting Illini. The Buckeyes lost their ninth straight game on Thursday when they lost to Penn State. Brice Sensabaugh scored 20 points in the loss. While Bruce Thornton contributed 19 points. Sensabaugh leads Ohio State on the season with 16.6 points per game.
The Ohio State Buckeyes are 13th in the Big Ten with an 11-17 record. The Buckeyes have won just one of their last ten games and carry an 8-6 home-court record. Ohio State lost to Illinois by 9 points in their last meeting back in late January. The Buckeyes are averaging 6.7 made three-pointers per game.
- The total went OVER in 4 of Ohio State’s last 6 matches over the Fighting Illini.
- The Ohio State Buckeyes are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 games at home.
- The Buckeyes are 9-2 SU in their last 11 games at home against Illinois.
Illinois Fighting Illini vs Ohio State Cyclones. The NCAAB pick for this game is the Illinois Fighting Illini. The Illinois Fighting Illini covered the spread in five road games this season. Ohio State covered the spread in just one of their last ten outings. Ohio State is struggling to put together a win. Illinois is hungry to beat the Buckeyes for a second straight time in back-to-back months. Prediction: Illinois Fighting Illini win and cover 74-69.
NCAAB Starting Time: 12:00 PM (EDT)
Location: Value City Arena at the Jerome Schottenstein Center in Columbus, OH
Date: Sunday, February 26, 2023
TV: CBS
NCAAB Odds: Illinois Fighting Illini -4.5
NCAAB Totals: 145.5
