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Illinois at Ohio State odds, picks and predictions


The No. 14 Illinois Fighting Illini (15-5, 6-3 BigTen) look to avenge last year's defeat in Columbus as they take on the Ohio State Buckeyes (13-7, 3-6) at Value City Arena. Tipoff is Tuesday at 7 p.m. ET (Peacock). Below, we analyze FanDuel Sportsbook's lines around the Illinois vs. Ohio State odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and best bets.

The 2 schools split their season series last season with the Under cashing both games. On Jan. 24th of last year, Illinois G Terrence Shannon Jr. led the way with 17 points as the Illini won 69-60. When they met in Columbus on Feb. 2, Ohio State G Bruce Thornton scored a game-high 20 points in the 72-60 Buckeyes win.

Shannon has struggled from beyond the arc since being reinstated from his suspension, going 1 for 14 from 3-point range in 3 games played, 2 of which were home wins for Illinois (86-63 vs Rutgers and 70-62 this past Saturday vs Indiana). In a 96-91 overtime loss to Northwestern 6 days ago, Shannon  tied his season high with 5 turnovers and was heavily taunted by the opposing crowd.

The Buckeyes have dropped 2 straight coming in and 5 of their last 6. Thornton leads the team with 16.1 points per game and senior F Jamison Battle sits atop the Big Ten in 3-pointers made per game (2.9). OSU guard Roddy Gayle Jr. has been even worse of late than Shannon when it comes to efficiency from 3-point range. In his last 6 games, the sophomore is 1 for 21 from beyond the arc.

Rankings courtesy of the Paste BN Sports Coaches Poll.

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Illinois at Ohio State odds

Provided by FanDuel Sportsbook; access Paste BN Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 12:01 p.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): Illinois -146 (bet $146 to win $100) | Ohio State +122 (bet $100 to win $122)
  • Against the spread (ATS): Illinois -2.5 (-110) | Ohio State +2.5 (-110)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 148.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)

Illinois at Ohio State picks and predictions

Prediction

Illinois 71, Ohio State 66

Moneyline

BET ILLINOIS (-146).

Could this be the last season in Columbus for coach Chris Holtmann? Ohio State AD Gene Smith appeared noncommittal although the buyout would be costly. Either way, this seems like a Buckeyes team that is lost and is need of a new voice. Even at home I do not expect them to beat a ranked Illinois squad.

Against the spread

PASS.

I would rather pay the juice on the moneyline than back a team whose leading scorer is still trying to shake off the rust.

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Over/Under

BET UNDER 148.5.

I mentioned the shooting woes of several players, plus Ohio State plays at the 4th-slowest pace in the Big Ten, averaging 68.6 possessions per game. I expect a 3rd consecutive Under between these schools.

For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

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