Illinois vs UCLA Prediction 2/11/25 College Basketball Picks Today
UCLA (18-6) vs. Illinois (16-8)
February 11, 2025 8:00 pm EDT
The Line: Illinois -5.5; Over/Under: 149.5
(Get latest betting odds)
The UCLA Bruins and Illinois Fighting Illini meet Tuesday in college basketball action at the State Farm Center. Here’s an Illinois vs UCLA Prediction. This article will include an Illinois vs UCLA Pick.
UCLA Bruins Betting Preview
The UCLA Bruins beat Michigan State and Penn State, and they play Indiana, Minnesota, and Ohio State next. The UCLA Bruins are averaging 75.5 points on 46.8 percent shooting and allowing 63.9 points on 42.4 percent shooting. Tyler Bilodeau is averaging 13.8 points and 4.5 rebounds, while Eric Dailey Jr. is averaging 12 points and 4.2 rebounds. Sebastian Mack is dishing 1.7 assists and Kobe Johnson is grabbing 5.9 rebounds. The UCLA Bruins are shooting 34 percent from beyond the arc and 70.7 percent from the free throw line. The UCLA Bruins are allowing 31.5 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 29.7 rebounds per game.
Illinois Fighting Illini Betting Preview
The Illinois Fighting Illini lost to Rutgers, beat Minnesota, and they play Michigan State, Wisconsin, and Duke next. The Illinois Fighting Illini are averaging 85.2 points on 45 percent shooting and allowing 71 points on 39.6 percent shooting. Kasparas Jakucionis is averaging 15.6 points and 5.5 rebounds, while Tomislav Ivisic is averaging 13 points and 8.6 rebounds. Will Riley is the third double-digit scorer and Kylan Boswell is grabbing 5.3 rebounds. The Illinois Fighting Illini are shooting 31.3 percent from beyond the arc and 75.4 percent from the free throw line. The Illinois Fighting Illini are allowing 30.1 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 42 rebounds per game.
Why the Illinois Fighting Illini will win
- Illinois has won 20 of its last 21 night games at State Farm Center against non-AP-ranked opponents.
- Illinois has won the first half in each of its last 10 Tuesday home games against the Big Ten Conference.
Why the UCLA Bruins will win
- UCLA has won each of its last eight night games following a home win.
- Illinois has lost each of its last three night games.
- UCLA has won the first half in 11 of its last 12 night games against non-AP-ranked opponents.
Total Points Facts
- Each of Illinois’ last nine games against Conference opponents has produced a total of 154+ points.
- Sixty of UCLA’s last 67 games against non-AP-ranked opponents have produced a total of 149 or fewer points.
Matchup/League Facts
- Illinois ranks 1st among Division 1 teams for rebounds per game this season (45.0).
- Illinois ranks 3rd among Division 1 teams for rebound percentage this season (57.2%).
- UCLA ranks 5th among Division 1 teams for opponent field goal attempts per game this season (50.8).
- UCLA ranks 10th among Division 1 teams for opponent turnovers per game this season (16.3).
Illinois vs UCLA Injury Report
UCLA will continue to be without Christian Horry, Eric Freeney, Devin Williams, and Evan Manjikian. Illinois will be without Ty Rodgers, while Tre White and Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn are questionable.
Illinois vs UCLA Prediction
Illinois is the more talented team, but this line isn’t showing much respect toward UCLA, a team that’s won seven straight games and has three road wins. UCLA is a top-100 offensive field goal percentage team and top-20 in scoring defense. Illinois has been hit or miss recently, which includes losses to Rutgers and Nebraska in the favorite role. UCLA has outright won three of its last five games as an underdog. The UCLA Bruins are balanced enough to steal this game on the road. Either way, I expect a close game and the points should come in handy. Give me UCLA on Tuesday.
