The Illinois Fighting Illini (17-7, 8-5 Big Ten) take on the slumping Penn State Nittany Lions (14-11, 5-9) at Bryce Jordan Center Tuesday. Tip is set for 7 p.m. ET (ESPNU). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Illinois vs. Penn State odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.
This will be a rematch of a Dec.10 matchup in which Penn State, as a 10-point underdog, went to Champagne and beat Illinois 74-59.
Illinois recorded a 69-60 win as a 6-point favorite against Rutgers Saturday and now visits Penn State team riding a 4-game losing skid.
The Nittany Lions 74-68 at Maryland Saturday, but covered the spread as 8-point underdogs. Despite the against-the-spread (ATS) victory, the wheels have fallen off Penn State since starting the season 11-3. Following losses to Purdue, Nebraska, Wisconsin and Maryland, a win Tuesday would go a long way to correct the ills of the recent past.
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Illinois at Penn State odds
Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 11:33 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Illinois -170 (bet $170 to win $100) | Penn State +135 (bet $100 to win $135)
- Against the spread (ATS): Illinois -3.5 (-105) | Penn State +3.5 (-115)
- Over/Under (O/U): 140.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)
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Illinois at Penn State picks and predictions
Prediction
Illinois 75, Penn State 70
Moneyline
PASS.
Penn State (+135) has struggled in recent outings and doesn’t have a high enough price tag for a team entering on a 4-game losing skid.
Illinois (-170) is back on track following a mid-season lull. However, this line is too steep for me for a standalone bet but would be good to add to a parlay.
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Against the spread
TAKE ILLINOIS -3.5 (-105).
Penn State has found difficulty in hitting the 3-point shot recently. This is the way the Lions like to score and with this being ineffective, the Illini will be able to hold the home team down.
Illinois is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games overall and this game will make it 6-for-6 as they take care of Penn State and cover the points.
Over/Under
TAKE OVER 140.5 (-110).
Although Penn State is not likely to win. It will score just enough to get this game to the Over.
The Nittany Lions have gone Over in 6 straight home games and in 6 of their last 7 after a loss.
Illinois will come into this game ready to revenge the early December loss to Penn State and it will score in this game.
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