The No. 22 Ohio State Buckeyes (17-7) and No. 15 Illinois Fighting Illini (19-7) prepare to a NCAAB battle on Thursday night.
Ohio State has won three of their past five games overall, heading into this game. The Buckeyes last played on Monday when they defeated Indiana 80-69.
Illinois bounced back in impressive fashion following a tough loss against Rutgers with a 79-74 victory over Michigan State this past weekend. The Fighting Illini are 4-2 so far during February.
Tip-off is scheduled for 9:00 P.M. EST on Thursday, February 24th, at the State Farm Center in Champaign, IL.
Ohio State at Illinois Stats
Looking at the Ohio State Stats
Ohio State is beginning to find their stride as we approach March. The Buckeyes endured some ups and downs earlier during the season, but it seems all is coming together as of late.
Their recent win against the Hoosiers was important not just for their overall ranking but for their confidence. Anytime you can take care of business against a talented opponent like Indiana, your confidence level is going to rise significantly.
They currently have the least amount of victories within the top 25 ranked teams, so winning will be of the utmost importance moving forward. But defeating the Fighting Illini on the road is a daunting task for any team, so the Buckeyes certainly will have their work cut out for them in this affair.
Nonetheless, Ohio State is trending in the right direction. Players such as Malaki Branham and E.J. Liddell have led the Buckeyes to their recent success.
They will look for more of the same against Illinois.
Looking at the Illinois Stats
Kofi Cockburn led Illinois to their recent narrow victory over Michigan State. Cockburn posted 24 points and nine rebounds as he continues to put the league on notice.
The Fighting Illini dished out 17 assists in the game while turning the ball over just eight times in the win. It was an all-around efficient performance for Illinois.
Michigan State did everything in their power to keep this contest competitive throughout, but Illinois was able to escape with the victory in the end.
Illinois finds themselves ranked at No. 15 heading into this affair. They will need to continue playing well and taking care of business against lower-ranked opponents such as the Buckeyes if they want to advance in the rankings.
Betting Trends for Ohio State at Illinois
- Ohio State is 13-11 ATS this season.
- The Buckeyes are 4-2 ATS when facing ranked teams.
- They are 6-9 ATS following a victory.
- Ohio State is 4-5 ATS on the road.
- The Buckeyes are 4-3 ATS as an underdog.
- Illinois is 12-14 ATS this year.
- The Illini are 2-4 ATS when facing ranked opponents.
- They are 10-8 ATS following a win.
- Illinois is 7-6 ATS at their home arena.
- The Illini are 11-12 ATS as a favorite.
Ohio State at Illinois Prediction
Illinois is listed as anywhere from five to seven-point favorites according to the majority of top sportsbooks. But these are two teams with almost identical records, and neither stands head and shoulders above the other.
This game is going to come down to the wire, and I fully expect the Buckeyes to cover the spread. Go ahead and roll with Ohio State.
If you love sports and want more sports betting information follow us as @InsidersBetDig on Twitter and sign up to our mailing list for free betting picks.