Illinois vs Northwestern Prediction 1/26/25 College Basketball Picks Today

In this article, we will formulate an Illinois vs Northwestern prediction for this College Basketball game on Sunday, January 26th at the State Farm Center in Champaign, Illinois. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this College Basketball matchup.

Illinois Fighting Illini Betting Preview

The Illinois Fighting Illini are 13-6 (5-4) this year after they lost to Maryland by a score of 91-70 in their last game. Illinois trailed 38-35 at halftime and they allowed 53 points in the second half in the loss. The Fighting Illini shot 37.7% from the field, 21.4% on three-pointers, and 75% on free throws in the game. Kasparas Jakucionis led Illinois with 21 points and seven rebounds, while Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn added 15 points and four rebounds in the loss. 

Prior to that game, the Fighting Illini lost to Michigan State by a score of 80-78 but did beat Indiana by a score of 94-69 before that. Illinois has lost three of their last four games and they are currently in a logjam of 5-4 teams in the Big Ten standings. Illinois has scored 85.9 points per game and they have allowed 69.2 points per game, while also averaging 44.7 rebounds and 15.2 assists per game this season. Kasparas Jakucionis is averaging 16.2 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 5.4 assists per game, while Tomislav Ivisic is averaging 13.0 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game this year. Illinois is shooting 44.5% from the field, 76.1% on free throws, and 32.1% on three-pointers this season. 

Northwestern Wildcats Betting Preview

The Northwestern Wildcats are 12-7 (3-5) this season after they defeated Indiana by a score of 79-70 in their last game. Northwestern trailed 31-25 at halftime, but they scored 54 points in the second half for the win. The Wildcats shot 48.3% from the field, 48.1% on three-pointers, and 58.8% on free throws in the game. Ty Berry led Northwestern with 23 points and seven rebounds, while Brooks Barnhizer added 21 points and eight rebounds in the win. 

Prior to that game, the Wildcats lost to Michigan by a score of 80-76 but did beat Maryland by a score of 76-74 before that. Northwestern has lost four of their last six games and they are currently in the middle of the Big Ten standings. Northwestern has scored 74.2 points per game and they have allowed 68.2 points per game, while also averaging 34.8 rebounds and 14.6 assists per game this season. Nick Martinelli is averaging 19.9 points per game, 5.4 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game, while Brooks Barnhizer is averaging 18.5 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game this year. Northwestern is shooting 44.4% from the field, 72.1% on free throws, and 32.7% on three-pointers this season. Northwestern will face Rutgers and Wisconsin following this one. 

Why Illinois will beat Northwestern

• Illinois has won each of its last 10 games at State Farm Center when playing with a rest disadvantage.
• Northwestern has lost each of its last eight games at State Farm Center.
• Illinois has won the first half in each of its last nine day games at State Farm Center against non-AP-ranked opponents.

Illinois vs Northwestern Prediction 

Illinois limps into this matchup after losing three of their last four games, but they will be at home for this game. The Fighting Illini are shooting 44.5% from the field this year and they are scoring nearly 86 points per game, but they have allowed at least 80 points in three of their last four games. Northwestern did beat Illinois by a score of 70-66 earlier in the year, but they are 0-4 on the road in conference play. The Wildcats are shooting 44.4% from the field and they are not as high-scoring as Illinois is. I know the Fighting Illini are struggling right now, but I do think they bounce back with a strong offensive effort. Take Illinois at home.