Illinois Fighting Illini
Basketball NCAAB Tue 9 Dec 19:30
Ohio State Buckeyes
  1. Prediction
  2. SGP Picks
  3. Odds
  4. Player Props
  5. Team Stats
  6. Standings

College Basketball Betting Preview: Illinois vs Ohio State

The Illinois Fighting Illini go up against the Ohio State Buckeyes, with tip-off scheduled for 19:30 on Tuesday, December 9.

Can Ohio State Make it a Close Game?

Our best bet is Ohio State at +3.5 on the spread. A win or narrow defeat against Illinois would mean our pick at odds of -120 lands a return.

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Teams’ Last Battle Saw 87-79 Illini Victory

Illinois Fighting Illini won their previous game by a 75-62 scoreline. It was on the road against Tennessee Volunteers.

Ohio State Buckeyes won last time out by a 86-82 scoreline. It was on the road against Northwestern Wildcats.

Head-to-Head Statistics

The last matchup between Illini and Ohio State saw the former win. It was a 87-79 scoreline. Illini have three straight victories against Ohio State. They’ve also claimed 6 wins in the past 10 head-to-head meetings.

NCAAB Overall PF PA N. Pts Home Away Strk
Ohio State 7-1 707 553 154 6-0 1-1 1W
Illinois 7-2 798 624 174 6-2 1-0 1W
View Full Standings

Illinois vs Ohio State Prediction & Picks

Make the most of Illinois vs Ohio State with our betting analysis that includes an expert match prediction, expected scoreline and a hand-picked bet builder designed for value.

Game Prediction

Ohio State should give a good account of themselves in this college showdown and the pick is to back them on the spread. The +3.5 looks attractive and -120 is available.

Our team of college basketball handicappers track current injuries closely. Combined with recent form, this helps us identify the best value odds. A data-led approach backed by key stats and the latest team news keeps our analysis sharp.

Key Illinois vs Ohio State stats:

  • The +3.5 line has been covered by Ohio State in 8 consecutive games.
  • The +3.5 line has been covered by Ohio State in 16 of their last 20 games at home.
  • The -3.5 line hasn’t been covered by Illinois in 10 of their last 16 games on the road.
  • The -3.5 line hasn’t been covered by Illinois in 6 of their last 10 games on the road.
  • The +3.5 line has been covered by Ohio State in 6 of their last 10 games against Illinois.

Ohio State +3.5 Probability

The top betting sites are estimating that there is a 54.6% likelihood of this pick winning. However, our cappers think that the probability is close to 60% taking all factors into consideration. This college basketball bet can therefore be backed with confidence.

Looking for Bigger Odds?

If the initial odds don’t grab your fancy, there’s the option to shoot for more juice by moving the line when it comes to your pick. It all comes down to how confident you feel.

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Our Game Prediction
Ohio State +3.5 @ -120 Bet Now BetMGM logo
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Published 23:56, 08 December 2025

Same Game Parlay Picks

Spread Ohio State +3.5
Totals Under 157.5
Result & BTTS 80 Ohio State / No

Take a same game parlay that incorporates Ohio State to cover the +3.5 spread along with Under 157.5. Add in Ohio State/BTTS No on the Result & Both Teams to Score lines.

Should you want to back different picks for the same game, then a same game parlay will suit your needs. The betting sites create this personalised basketball wagering tool where you can choose different selections and combine the odds together.

T&C apply. Gamble responsibly 18+

Correct Score Prediction

Illinois Illinois logo 76 - 77 Ohio State logo Ohio State

There are massive odds on offer when it comes to the Buckeyes landing a 77-76 win. A close game is anticipated between two evenly-matched teams.

Illinois vs Ohio State Odds

The odds and lines are updated on a frequent basis. You might therefore find that they are different to the ones listed for the above betting predictions.

Books Make Illini Moneyline Favorites

The Illinois odds have been priced up by the sportsbooks and they are -182 betting favorites to land victory in this college game which means a 65% chance of winning. The market suggests that Ohio State are least likely to win at +150.

The spread currently stands at 3.5 and the total points line is 157.5. Having a wager on the Totals is one of the most popular basketball bets. If you fancy Under 157.5, then the odds are -105.

There are stacks of game lines and team props s when it comes to wagering on college basketball and we recommend visiting the top betting apps to find the bet that matches your view on the contest.

Betting Lines & Odds
Player Props & Micro Betting

As an alternative to the game lines and team props, check out the player props that are available. These can be a great alternative if you want to focus on a player’s performance. The best gambling sites will provide lots of options.

There are some exciting college basketball micro betting lines that are created and they are available in-game. Among them are Next Field Goal, where you select if the shot will be a two or three-pointer. The long-ball option pays better, and in today’s game, you can never discount the three-pointer.

Best Betting Offers
Last 5 & H2H
Team Stats

Latest regular season and playoff games stats.

Illinois logo Illinois Stats
Ohio State logo Ohio State Stats
Moneyline
  • 7 wins and 3 defeats in the last 10 games
  • 4 wins and 6 defeats in the last 10 games on the road
Moneyline
  • 7 wins and 3 defeats in the last 10 games
  • 7 wins and 3 defeats in the last 10 home games
Point Spread
Point Spread
Total Points
Total Points

NCAAB Table Select Season

Big Ten Overall PF PA N. Pts Home Away Strk
Michigan 8-0 757 533 224 6-0 2-0 8W
Nebraska 9-0 749 611 138 9-0 0-0 9W
Purdue 8-1 767 622 145 6-1 2-0 1L
Michigan State 8-1 689 549 140 6-1 2-0 1L
Iowa 8-1 719 563 156 7-0 1-1 1W
USC 8-1 801 704 97 5-1 3-0 1L
Penn State 8-1 748 630 118 7-1 1-0 3W
Ohio State 7-1 707 553 154 6-0 1-1 1W
UCLA 7-2 695 585 110 6-1 1-1 2W
Wisconsin 7-2 791 664 127 6-0 1-2 2W
Illinois 7-2 798 624 174 6-2 1-0 1W
Indiana 7-2 769 597 172 7-1 0-1 2L
Washington 6-3 742 665 77 3-1 3-2 1W
Maryland 6-4 771 785 -14 5-1 1-3 1L
Minnesota 5-4 661 611 50 5-3 0-1 1W
Northwestern 5-4 730 658 72 4-3 1-1 3L
Rutgers 5-5 699 723 -24 5-2 0-3 2L
Oregon 4-5 656 679 -23 4-3 0-2 5L
  • Overall = Overall Wins-Losses
  • PF = Total Points For
  • PA = Total Points Against
  • N. Pts = Point Differential
  • Home = Home Record
  • Away = Away Record
  • Strk = Current Streak