Minnesota vs Illinois Prediction 2/8/25 College Basketball Picks Today

In this article, we will formulate a Minnesota vs Illinois Prediction for this college basketball game on Saturday, February 8th, at the Williams Arena. Let’s take a look at a Minnesota Golden Gophers vs Illinois Fighting Illini pick. 

Illinois Can’t Lose This Game

Illinois, at times, looks like a National Championship contender, and in other games, they are losing to the Rutgers Scarlet Knights like in the last game. At halftime against Rutgers in the last game they were down 37-29 and even though they scored 44 points, it wasn’t enough as they fell short. Will Riley had a strong game putting up 20 points, five assists, and three rebounds, while Ben Humrichos also added 114 points and five rebounds. Two games ago, Ohio State scored 79 points against Illinois, but Illinois scored 87 points, which led to the eight-point victory. 

Illinois comes into this game with a 15-8 record overall and they have gone 11-11-1 against the spread. The over has hit in 12 of the games. Away from home this season, straight up they are 3-4. Illinois is averaging 84.7 points while their defense is giving up 70.9 points per game. The offense is ranked 9th in the league while the defense is ranked 157th. If they can get out to a fast start, and kill the Gophers confidence, they have a great shot in this game.

Minnesota Has Been a Problem

Minnesota has been a problem for opposing teams and although they can’t be trusted all the time, this is a team that might be able to compete with any Big Ten team, depending on who they are playing. In the last game, Minnesota went on the road against Penn State, and they were able to win 69-61. At halftime they were down four points, but in the second half they scored 48 points on the way to the win. Minnesota ended up shooting 53.1 percent from the field and 35.7 percent from behind the three point line. 

Minnesota sits with a 12-11 record overall and they have gone 7-14-2 against the spread. Minnesota is averaging 68.8 points per game while their defense is giving up 68.7 points per game. The offense is ranked 304th in the league while the defense is ranked 91st. Dawson Garcia has been the top player for Minnesota averaging 20.1 points while shooting 51 percent from the field. 

Why Minnesota Will Beat Illinois

The home team has won each of Illinois’ last four games.

Illinois has lost each of its last three road games against the Big Ten Conference.

The home team has won the first half in three of Illinois’ last four games.

Total Points Facts

Each of Illinois’ last 10 day games against Conference opponents have produced a total of 154+ points.

Four of Minnesota’s last five day games against the Big Ten Conference have produced a total of 144+ points.

Minnesota vs Illinois Prediction

Illinois has been so inconsistent and at home, Minnesota is going to find success. Dawson Garcia is playing like an NBA player right now and he’s going to have a huge game here. Minnesota, in the last game, secured the 69-61 victory over Penn State, and their defense is going to step up in a major way again here. The lack of scoring by Illinois will let Minnesota get the job done here. Back the Golden Gophers against the spread.