Northwestern vs Illinois Prediction 12-6-24 College Basketball Picks

In this article, we will formulate a Northwestern vs Illinois prediction for this College Basketball game on Friday, December 6th at Welsh-Ryan Arena in Evanston, Illinois. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this College Basketball matchup.

Northwestern Wildcats Betting Preview

The Northwestern Wildcats are 6-3 (0-1) this year after they lost to Iowa by a score of 80-79 in their last game. Northwestern trailed 45-34 at halftime, but they scored 45 points in the second half and nearly came away with the win. The Wildcats shot 48.3% from the field, 38.1% on three-pointers, and 81.3% on free throws in the game. Brooks Barnhizer led Northwestern with 21 points and 10 rebounds in the loss. 

Prior to that game, the Wildcats defeated UNLV by a score of 66-61 and lost to Butler by a score of 71-69 before that. Northwestern has scored 73.3 points per game and they have allowed 64.4 points per game, while also averaging 36.1 rebounds and 14.2 assists per game this season. Brooks Barnhizer is averaging 20.2 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game, while Northwestern is shooting 44.9% from the field, 74% on free throws, and 33.3% on three-pointers this year. 

Illinois Fighting Illini Betting Preview

The Illinois Fighting Illini are 6-1 (0-0) this season after they defeated Arkansas by a score of 90-77 in their last game. Illinois led 49-34 at halftime and they were able to get the win, despite being outscored in the second half. The Fighting Illini shot 52.6% from the field, 48.4% on free throws, and 68.2% on three-pointers in the game. Kasparas Jakucionis led Illinois with 23 points and six rebounds in the game. 

Prior to that victory, the Fighting Illini defeated Little Rock by a score of 92-34 and UMES by a score of 87-40. Illinois has scored 89.1 points per game and they have allowed 61.4 points per game, while also averaging 47.9 rebounds and 15.4 assists per game this season. Tomislav Ivisic is averaging 16.3 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 1.6 steals per game, while Illinois is shooting 45.8% from the field, 70.2% on free throws, and 35% on three-pointers this year. 

Why Illinois will beat Northwestern

• Illinois has won each of its last 14 games against non-AP-ranked opponents.
• Northwestern has lost 27 of its last 32 night games against AP-ranked opponents.
• Illinois has won the first half in each of its last 11 night games against non-AP-ranked opponents.

Total Points Facts

• Thirteen of Illinois’ last 14 games against Conference opponents have produced a total of 148+ points.
• Ten of Northwestern’s last 12 games have produced a total of 142 or fewer points.

Northwestern vs Illinois Prediction 

Illinois comes into this matchup looking for their fourth straight win and they are coming off of a ranked win against Arkansas. The Fighting Illini do have a loss against Alabama, but they are scoring over 89 points per game this season. Northwestern has dropped two of their last three games, but they could have easily won their last game against Iowa. The Wildcats will look to avoid an 0-2 start in conference play, but they are only shooting 44.9% from the field. This should be a close game with Northwestern at home, but I think Illinois is the better team and they have the better results so far. Take Illinois here.