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The Ohio State Buckeyes (13-8, 5-5 Big Ten) visit the No. 20 Illinois Fighting Illini (14-7, 6-5) Sunday. Tip-off from Hilton Coliseum in Ames is set for 1 p.m. ET (CBS). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s college basketball odds around the Ohio State vs. Illinois odds, and make our expert college basketball picks and predictions.
Ohio State picked up its third straight win Thursday with an 83-64 road beatdown of the Penn State Nittany Lions. The Buckeyes cashed as a 3.5-point underdog as the Under 147.5 hit with ease. Illinos outrebounded Penn State 41-23. G John Mobley Jr. stuffed the stat sheet, dropping 19 points, 8 assists and 5 rebounds.
Illinois is struggling, dropping 3 of its last 4 games after an 80-74 overtime loss Thursday to the Nebraska Cornhuskers. They failed to cover as a 4.5-point road underdog as the Under 157 cashed. G Kasparas Jakucionis was the only starter in double figures, putting up 18 points, with 13 rebounds and 4 assists. Turnovers were a killer, with the Illini giving it away 17 times.
– Rankings: USA TODAY Sports Men’s Basketball Coaches Poll
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Ohio State at Illinois odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Saturday at 10:39 p.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Ohio State +220 (bet $100 to win $220) | Illinois -275 (bet $275 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Ohio State +6.5 (-110) | Illinois -6.5 (-110)
- Over/Under (O/U): 156.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)
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Ohio State at Illinois picks and predictions
Prediction
Ohio State 81, Illinois 78
Moneyline
BET OHIO STATE (+220).
It’s a bit of a gamble, but these teams are heading in opposite directions. Momentum is huge in college hoops, and right now, Ohio State has it. The Buckeyes have won and covered 3 straight, including 2 on the road. Meanwhile, Illinois has failed to cover in 3 of its last 4 games, including a home loss in Champaign.
Ohio State is one of the best 3-point shooting teams in the Big Ten, hitting 37.3% from deep, with G Bruce Thornton knocking down a scorching 45.1%. They also lock down the perimeter, holding opponents under 30% on 3s.
The Buckeyes have covered in 4 of the last 6 meetings against Illinois, and with all the upsets we saw on Saturday, what’s one more on Sunday? I’m rolling with Ohio State to stay hot and get it done.
Against the spread
PASS.
If you’d feel more comfortable taking the points, that’s perfectly fine but I’m getting seduced by those +220 odds on the moneyline.
Over/Under
BET OVER 156.5 (-105).
This game has all the signs of a shootout. Both teams score 80-plus points a game and give up 70-plus points, so defense might be optional. The Over has cashed in 4 of their last 6 matchups, and Illinois has hit the Over in 4 of its last 6. Expect plenty of points.
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