Illinois vs Iowa Prediction 3/13/25 College Basketball Picks Today
Iowa (17-15) vs. Illinois (20-11)
March 13, 2025 6:30 pm EDT
The Line: Illinois -10.5; Over/Under: 166.5
(Get latest betting odds)
The Iowa Hawkeyes and Illinois Fighting Illini meet Thursday in the college basketball Big Ten Second Round at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Here’s a Illinois vs Iowa Prediction. This article will include a Illinois vs Iowa Pick.
Iowa Hawkeyes Betting Preview
The Iowa Hawkeyes recently played Michigan State, Nebraska, and Ohio State. Iowa looks for three straight wins for the first time since December.
The Iowa Hawkeyes are averaging 82.3 points on 48.6 percent shooting and allowing 79.2 points on 47.7 percent shooting. Owen Freeman is averaging 16.7 points and 6.7 rebounds, while Payton Sandfort is averaging 16.3 points and 6.3 rebounds. Josh Dix is the third double-digit scorer and Drew Thelwell is dishing 2.9 assists. The Iowa Hawkeyes are shooting 37.7 percent from beyond the arc and 70.5 percent from the free throw line. The Iowa Hawkeyes are allowing 34.4 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 30.1 rebounds per game.
Illinois Fighting Illini Betting Preview
The Illinois Fighting Illini recently beat Iowa, Michigan, and Purdue. Illinois has been a .500 team over its last 14 games.
The Illinois Fighting Illini are averaging 83.7 points on 45 percent shooting and allowing 73.6 points on 41.8 percent shooting. Kasparas Jakucionis is averaging 15.2 points and 5.6 rebounds, while Tomislav Ivisic is averaging 12.6 points and 7.6 rebounds. Will Riley is the third double-digit scorer and Kylan Boswell is grabbing 5 rebounds. The Illinois Fighting Illini are shooting 31 percent from beyond the arc and 75.8 percent from the free throw line. The Illinois Fighting Illini are allowing 32.2 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 39.6 rebounds per game.
Why the Illinois Fighting Illini will win
- Iowa has lost each of its last seven games against AP-ranked opponents.
- Illinois has won each of its last seven games against non-AP-ranked opponents at a neutral venue.
- Illinois has won the first half in seven of its last eight games against Iowa.
Why the Iowa Hawkeyes will win
- Iowa has won each of its last five games at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
- Illinois has lost each of its last four games at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
- Iowa has won the first half in four of its last five games against AP-ranked opponents.
Total Points Facts
- Seventeen of Iowa’s last 18 games against AP-ranked opponents at a neutral venue have produced a total of 160 or fewer points.
- Sixteen of Illinois’ last 19 games against non-AP-ranked opponents have produced a total of 163 or fewer points.
Matchup/League Facts
- Illinois ranks T2nd among Division 1 teams for rebounds per game this season (42.4).
- Illinois ranks 4th among Division 1 teams for three-point field goal attempts per game this season (30.3).
- Iowa ranks 2nd among Division 1 teams for assist to turnover ratio this season (1.85).
- Iowa ranks 4th among Division 1 teams for assists per game this season (18.3).
Illinois vs Iowa Injury Report
Illinois will be without Morez Johnson Jr. and Ty Rodgers, while Carey Booth is questionable. Iowa will be without Owen Freeman and Cooper Koch.
Illinois vs Iowa Prediction
Illinois is the more talented team and smoked Iowa in the only meeting this season. With the rest advantage, Illinois should be favorites. However, this is a lot of points for an Iowa team that can shoot the lights out of the gym. Iowa is top-20 in scoring and top-30 in field goal percentage and three-point percentage. If those shots continue to fall, Illinois will have a battle on its hands. We’ve also seen Illinois drop three of its last six games, while struggling defensively. This is a lot of free buckets for a Hawkeyes team that doesn’t need help scoring. Give me Iowa and the points on Thursday.
