GAME: #663 Illinois vs #664 Ohio State
TIME: 3/5/2020 – 7:00p EST
SPREAD: Ohio State -6
TOTAL: 132
SPORTSBOOK: WagerWeb Sportsbook
The #23 Illinois Fighting Illini (20-9, 12-6) have a BIG 10 showdown against the #19 Ohio State Buckeyes (20-9, 10-8) at Value City Arena in Columbus, Ohio on Thursday at 7 p.m. EST. In their previous games, Illinois won at home against Indiana 67-66 while Ohio State had a big win over Michigan by a score of 77-63. These teams met last season in Ohio where Illinois won 56-63. Illinois has 2 wins and 4 losses against ranked opponents this season, while Ohio State has won 5 of its 8 games against ranked teams.
ILLINOIS FIGHTING ILLINI
The Illinois Fighting Illini are averaging 72 points on 44% field goal shooting, adding 5.6 threes, 10.9 offensive rebounds, while turning the ball over 12.3 times per game on the offensive end. The Fighting Illini are allowing 64 points per game on 41% field goal shooting while forcing 11.6 turnovers and adding 5.9 steals and 3.3 blocks per game of the defensive end. The Fighting Illini are led by Ayo Dosunmu, who is averaging 15.9 points and 4.1 rebounds.
OHIO STATE BUCKEYES
The Ohio State Buckeyes are averaging 72 points on 44% field goal shooting adding 8.7 threes, 8.3 offensive rebounds while turning the ball over 12.9 times per game on the offensive end. Ohio State is allowing 62 points per game on 39% field goal shooting while forcing 12.3 turnovers and adding 4.9 steals and 2.9 blocks per game on the defensive end. Kaleb Wesson has averaged 14 points and 9.6 rebounds to lead the way for the Buckeyes. CJ Walker is also a key contributor, accounting for 8.3 points per game.
ILLINOIS vs OHIO STATE PICK & PREDICTION
Illinois is 20-3 when they hold opponents to less than 72 points. The total on this game is set to 132 which is low considering both of these teams average 72 points per game on offense. If this is going to be a lower scoring defensive type game then Illinois will have the best chance to cover the spread. Illinois is ranked first among Division I teams with an offensive rebound percentage of 36%. Look for Illinois to out-rebound Ohio State, especially on the offensive glass to get a lot of easy buckets in a slow-paced game. Illinois could possibly win this game outright if they shoot the ball well.
TRENDS(from covers.com)
ILLINOIS
- Fighting Illini are 8-2 ATS in their last 10 games following a ATS loss.
- Under is 6-2-2 in Fighting Illini last 10 overall.
- Under is 60-23-1 in Fighting Illini last 84 games as a road underdog.
OHIO STATE
- Buckeyes are 7-0 ATS in their last 7 games as a favorite.
- Buckeyes are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 home games.
- buckeyes are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games overall.
HEAD TO HEAD
- Underdog is 5-1 ATS in the last 6 meetings.
- Road team is 5-1 ATS in the last 6 meetings.
SPORTS BETTING ANGLES:
Bookie Analysis: Illinois +6 / Under 132
Fade the Public: Ohio State -6 / Under 132
Sharp Action: no data / no data
#23 Illinois vs #19 Ohio State Prediction & Analysis – College Basketball