Illinois (9-3) vs. Oregon (12-1)
January 2, 2025 10:00 pm EDT
The Line: Oregon -3.5; Over/Under: +156.5
(Get latest betting odds)
In this article, we will formulate an Oregon vs Illinois prediction for this College Basketball game on Thursday, January 2nd at Matthew Knight Arena in Eugene, Oregon. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this College Basketball matchup.
Oregon Ducks Betting Preview
The Oregon Ducks are 12-1 (1-1) this year after they defeated Weber State by a score of 89-49 in their last game. Oregon led 40-23 at halftime and added 49 points in the second half for the blowout win. The Ducks shot 55% from the field, 40.9% on three-pointers, and 82.4% on free throws in the game. Jackson Shelstad led Oregon with 16 points and two assists, while Brandon Angel added 14 points and seven rebounds in the game.
Prior to that win, the Ducks defeated Stanford by a score of 76-61 and SFA by a score of 79-61. Oregon has won 12 of their first 13 games this season, with their lone loss coming against UCLA by a score of 73-71. Oregon has scored 79.5 points per game and they have allowed 65.6 points per game, while also averaging 38.5 rebounds and 15.5 assists per game this season. Nate Bittle is averaging 13.2 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game, while Jackson Shelstad is averaging 10.8 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game this year. Oregon is shooting 46.5% from the field, 75% on free throws, and 34.1% on three-pointers this season. Oregon will face Maryland, Ohio State, and Penn State following this one.
Illinois Fighting Illini Betting Preview
The Illinois Fighting Illini are 9-3 (1-1) this season after they defeated Chicago State by a score of 117-64 in their last game. Illinois led 60-24 at halftime and they added 57 points in the second half for the easy win. The Fighting Illini shot 62.1% from the field, 45.5% on three-pointers, and 71.4% on free throws in the game. Tomislav Ivisic led Illinois with 23 points and five assists, while Kylan Boswell added 18 points and 10 assists in the win.
Prior to that game, the Fighting Illini defeated Missouri by a score of 80-77 but did lose to Tennessee by a score of 66-64 before that. Illinois has won three of their last four games, but they split their first two conference games against Northwestern and Wisconsin. Illinois has scored 86.4 points per game and they have allowed 65.6 points per game, while also averaging 45.4 rebounds and 15.5 assists per game this season. Kasparas Jakucionis is averaging 16.3 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game, while Tomislav Ivisic is averaging 14.7 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game this year. Illinois is shooting 44.9% from the field, 75% on free throws, and 33.4% on three-pointers this season. Illinois will take on Washington after this game.
Why Oregon will beat Illinois
- Oregon has won 12 of its last 13 games.
- Illinois has lost seven of its last eight games against Top 10 AP-ranked opponents.
- Oregon has won the first half in each of its last four games.
Oregon vs Illinois Prediction
Oregon comes into this contest looking for their fourth win in a row and they will be at home for this game. The Ducks have played very well to open the season and they have allowed 61 points or fewer in four of their last five games. Illinois has won three of their last four games, but they did struggle in their last road game against Northwestern, where they lost in overtime. The Fighting Illini are scoring over 86 points per game, but they are shooting just 44.9% from the field. These two teams are pretty evenly matched and while I do think Illinois is the slightly better team, I have to give the edge to Oregon at home. Illinois has a long trip for this game and I need to see them play well on the road. Take Oregon here.
