9:00 p.m. ET: Wisconsin Badgers (17-3) at Illinois Fighting Illini (15-5)

Spread: Illinois -7
Total: 139.5

The #18 Illinois Fighting Illini host the #11 Wisconsin Badgers after Kofi Cockburn scored 22 points in Illinois’ 59-56 victory against the Northwestern Wildcats. The Fighting Illini have gone 9-2 in home games. Illinois averages 77.2 points while outscoring opponents by 11.4 points per game. The Badgers are 8-2 in conference matchups. Wisconsin averages 8.3 turnovers per game. This matchup is the first meeting this season for the two teams in conference play. The public is jumping all over Wisconsin and the points but the line has moved the other direction indicating some early sharp action with reverse line movement. Wisconsin is a good team but when they are knocking down 3’s or Johnny Davis isn’t dropping 30+, they have a difficult time scoring. Illinois will rely on their better field goal shooting, especially at home and the major rebounding advantage to get the win here. Take the Fighting Illini to get a big home win and cover the spread. 

Trends

• The Favorite is 18-7-1 ATS in the last 26 meetings.
  

The Bookie:          Illinois -7 / Under 139.5
Fade the Public:   Illinois / Under
Sharp Action:       Illinois / Under