Illinois vs Washington: College Basketball Betting Preview
Game Overview
The No. 22 Illinois Fighting Illini (10-3, 2-1 Big Ten) travel to Alaska Airlines Arena to face the Washington Huskies (10-4, 1-2 Big Ten) in a Big Ten conference clash. Tipoff is scheduled for 2:00 PM ET on January 5, 2025, with coverage on BTN. Both teams are coming off recent wins and aim to improve their position in a tightly contested conference race.
Betting Odds
| Team | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Illinois Fighting Illini | -8.5 (-115) | Over 154.5 (-115) | -380 |
| Washington Huskies | +8.5 (-105) | Under 154.5 (-105) | +290 |
Illinois enters as an 8.5-point road favorite, reflecting their higher national ranking and stronger overall record. The total is set at 154.5, suggesting a high-scoring affair.
Team Analysis
Illinois Fighting Illini
Illinois is led by their versatile star K. Jakucionis, who is averaging 16.3 points, 5.4 assists, and shooting an efficient 49.2% from the field. T. Ivisic dominates the glass with 9.2 rebounds per game, while also contributing a solid defensive presence.
The Fighting Illini’s strength lies in their offense, which ranks among the best in the Big Ten. They average 88.2 points per game and shoot 46.0% from the field. Illinois also excels on the boards, with 45.2 rebounds per game, giving them a critical edge in second-chance opportunities.
Defensively, Illinois allows just 66.5 points per game, combining their rebounding dominance with solid perimeter defense. With a three-game win streak and recent blowout victories over Charleston Southern and Oregon, Illinois comes into this matchup in top form.
Washington Huskies
Washington’s success hinges on the performance of G. Osobor, who leads the team in points (14.6), rebounds (9.1), and assists (3.6). While Osobor has been the backbone of this squad, the supporting cast has been inconsistent, leading to uneven results throughout the season.
The Huskies average 74.2 points per game while shooting 45.0% from the field. However, their rebounding (35.5 per game) lags significantly behind Illinois, which could create challenges in this matchup. On defense, Washington allows 68.6 points per game and has struggled against elite offenses, as evidenced by losses to Maryland and Seattle.
Recent Performance
Illinois Fighting Illini
- 1/2/25: Defeated Oregon 109-77
- 12/29/24: Defeated Charleston Southern 117-64
- 12/22/24: Defeated Missouri 80-77
- 12/14/24: Lost to Tennessee 66-64
- 12/10/24: Defeated Wisconsin 86-80
Washington Huskies
- 1/2/25: Defeated Maryland 75-69
- 12/29/24: Defeated NJIT 90-53
- 12/23/24: Lost to Seattle 79-70
- 12/18/24: Defeated Washington State 89-73
- 12/10/24: Defeated Eastern Washington 87-69
Head-to-Head Comparison
This is the first meeting between Illinois and Washington this season. Illinois comes into the game with the superior offense, defense, and rebounding metrics, giving them a clear edge. Washington will need a standout performance from G. Osobor and a strong showing from their perimeter shooters to keep pace.
Betting Trends
- Illinois is 5-2 ATS in their last seven games.
- The over has hit in 4 of Illinois’ last 6 games.
- Washington is 3-3 ATS in their last six games.
- The under has hit in 3 of Washington’s last 5 games.
Prediction
Illinois has the offensive firepower and defensive discipline to control this matchup against Washington. With K. Jakucionis leading a potent attack and T. Ivisic dominating the boards, the Fighting Illini should have no trouble covering the spread. Expect Illinois to exploit Washington’s rebounding deficiencies and wear down the Huskies as the game progresses.
