Illinois vs Penn State Prediction 1/8/25 College Basketball Picks Today

In this article, we will formulate an Illinois vs Penn State prediction for this College Basketball game on Wednesday, January 8th 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 11-3 (3-1) this year after they defeated Washington by a score of 81-77 in their last game. Illinois led 42-31 at halftime and they were able to get the win, despite allowing 46 points in the second half. The Fighting Illini shot 47% from the field, 19.2% on three-pointers, and 73.7% on free throws in the game. Kasparas Jakucionis led Illinois with 18 points and six assists, while Tre White added 17 points and seven rebounds in the win. 

Prior to that game, the Fighting Illini defeated Oregon by a score of 109-77 and Chicago State by a score of 117-64. Illinois has won four games in a row and opened conference play with a loss to Northwestern and a win over Wisconsin. Illinois has scored 87.6 points per game and they have allowed 67.2 points per game, while also averaging 45.1 rebounds and 15.2 assists per game this season. Kasparas Jakucionis is averaging 16.4 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 5.4 assists per game, while Tomislav Ivisic is averaging 13.8 points, 9.1 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game this year. Illinois is shooting 46.1% from the field, 75.1% on free throws, and 34% on three-pointers this season. 

Penn State Nittany Lions Betting Preview

The Penn State Nittany Lions are 12-3 (2-2) this season after they lost to Indiana by a score of 77-71 in their last game. Penn State was tied at 29 at halftime, but they allowed 48 points in the second half in the loss. The Nittany Lions shot 46% from the field, 14.3% on three-pointers, and 58.8% on free throws in the game. Nick Kern Jr. led Penn State with 21 points and three rebounds, while Ace Baldwin Jr. added 12 points and seven assists in the game. 

Prior to that loss, the Nittany Lions defeated Northwestern by a score of 84-80 and Penn by a score of 86-66. Penn State has won four of their last five games and they opened conference play with a win over Purdue and loss to Rutgers. Penn State has scored 86.8 points per game and they have allowed 68.5 points per game, while also averaging 36.5 rebounds and 18.1 assists per game this season. Ace Baldwin Jr. is averaging 14.8 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 8.4 assists per game, while Yanic Konan Niederhauser is averaging 12.7 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks per game this year. Penn State is shooting 50.1% from the field, 75.3% on free throws, and 34% on three-pointers this season. 

Why Illinois will beat Penn State

• Illinois has won each of its last 19 night games at State Farm Center against non-AP-ranked opponents.
• Illinois has won the first half in each of its last 12 games against non-AP-ranked opponents.

Illinois vs Penn State Prediction 

Illinois comes into this matchup on a four-game winning streak and they are coming off of two great road wins against Washington and Oregon. The Fighting Illini are shooting 46.1% from the field this year, but they have scored 87.6 points per game on the season. Penn State is shooting over 50% from the field and they are scoring 86.8 points per game this year, but they are coming off of a loss to Indiana. The Nittany Lions did lose to lowly Rutgers on the road and this is not a team that I am eager to back away from home. Take Illinois to have a huge second half to get the cover at home.