The Nebraska Cornhuskers (7-19, 2-13 Big Ten) travel to Champaign, Ill., to take on the Illinois Fighting Illini (17-9, 9-6) at 8 p.m. ET Monday night at State Farm Center. We analyze the Nebraska-Illinois odds and betting lines, with college basketball betting advice and tips around this matchup.
Nebraska at Illinois: Three things you need to know
1. At 76.7 points allowed per game, the Nebraska defense ranks last in the Big Ten. The Cornhuskers are heading into this tilt on an 11-game losing streak; six of those 11 defeats have involved the ‘Huskers coughing up 80 or more points. Nebraska is not a good rebounding team with an average margin of minus-7.6 to rank 13th in the conference. The issues on the boards and a 52.1% field-goal accuracy allowed combine in a toxic mix for the ‘Huskers.
2. Illinois has lost four of its last five games. All four setbacks came against top-30 types. The Illini play at a slower pace than the ‘Huskers, a fact that should serve the home side well. Illinois has been quite good overall and against the number when facing high-tempo squads.
3. Nebraska has lost 24 of its last 29 Big Ten games, and the Cornhuskers are 0-9 this season in road games. Illinois is 12-3 at home, averaging 74.9 points per game.
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Nebraska at Illinois: Odds, betting lines and picks
Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 1:15 p.m. ET.
Prediction
Illinois 80, Nebraska 67
Moneyline (ML)
The price makes for some solid value here, but backing Illinois (-1112) is not a play for every bankroll.
New to sports betting? One must wager $11.12 just to profit $1 on the Illinois side. The profit comes into play when one believes the Illini should be a -1250 or -1300 favorite.
Against the Spread (ATS)
The home team is 7-3 ATS in the last 10 meetings in this series, but Illinois is 0-2-1 when favored by 10-15 points at home, and Nebraska is 5-3 ATS in road games against teams over .500 and 5-2 ATS in midweek road tilts.
Lay off the Illinois (-13.5, -110) line.
Over/Under (O/U)
The OVER 144.5 (-110) has a moderate level of value to make it a worthwhile play. Illinois will be looking to recover from some recent shooting woes and bounce back from a spate of low-scoring games while playing catch-up against top-30 foes. The Illini getting 80-plus would not be a surprise.
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