Ohio State vs. Illinois Expert Pick and Prediction – February 2, 2025

OHIO STATE VS. ILLINOIS EXPERT PICK AND PREDICTION – February 2, 2025 — Opportunities like this don’t come every day for anyone. In the Big Ten, they’re a little more likely to happen because the league has so many good teams. But for Ohio State, this week is all about opportunity.

The Buckeyes play two opponents in the top-10 according to the metrics, visiting Illinois before meeting Maryland. Ohio State arrives in Champaign riding a three-game winning streak, and the Buckeyes would mostly control their own destiny if they win at least once. As long as Ohio State doesn’t slip against any of the land mines on the schedule (Indiana, Nebraska, Northwestern and especially Washington), the Buckeyes would appear safely in the field with a win this week.

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Illinois has that luxury for now, but things might be changing fast. The Fighting Illini have now lost three of four, and they couldn’t avoid the trap game against Nebraska. The Huskers needed a win in the worst way, and they got it in overtime in Lincoln. Now Brad Underwood’s team has to get things turned around quick.

The good news is that Underwood doesn’t have to search too far to find the thing that needs fixing: the Illini defense. In losing four times in six games, the Illini allowed at least 80 points in all four defeats. That doesn’t bode well against Ohio State; the Buckeyes are coming off scoring 80+ points in their past two contests.

The Odds

Tipoff

When: Sunday, February 2 at 1 p.m.

Where: State Farm Center, Champaign, Ill.

TV: CBS

Public Bets: Unavailable

Public Money: Unavailable

Ohio State vs. Illinois In-Season Trends

Betting these games has usually been a matter of taking who you think is going to win the game. The winner has also covered in eight of the past 10 meetings, and that’s regularly been the non-favored team. In five of the past 10 meetings, including Ohio State’s past three wins in the series, the underdog has won the game outright. 

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These teams appear to be going in different directions. While Ohio State has covered in four of its past five games, Illinois has failed to cover four times in six games. The loss to Nebraska was just the latest setback; Illinois is in serious danger of slipping out of the picture for a top-four seed.

The Difference-Makers

Kasparas Jakucionis came up with a double-double last time for Illinois, going for 18 points and 13 rebounds. He was also close to a triple double by adding six turnovers. That was as many giveaways as Nebraska had as a team, as the Illini turned it over 17 times in defeat. Had Illinois taken care of the ball even half as well, it’s celebrating a win. Jakucionis has to be better with the basketball, which he probably will be given Ohio State’s lack of steals.

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The last thing Ohio State’s opponents want to see is Bruce Thornton getting consistent help. John Mobley Jr. scored 19 points last time out for the Buckeyes, and he has hit double digits in three of Ohio State’s past four games. If he continues this pace, Ohio State’s going to play its way into the tournament.

The Pick

Illinois is the more talented team, but Ohio State is playing better basketball right now. The Buckeyes aren’t going to be intimidated going to Champaign; they’ve already won at Purdue this year. Ohio State’s defense is good enough to clamp down on Illinois, and the Buckeyes have shooters to find the few weak spots in the Illini defense.

Ohio State should be getting more respect. The Buckeyes have a real chance to win this outright.