Ohio State Buckeyes vs. Illinois Fighting Illini 2/2/25 – It will be captivating to watch the matchup between the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Illinois Fighting Illini in this Big Ten basketball game. This game promises to be one of the most critical games of the season for both teams. Ohio State is sitting at a 13-8 record and hopes to improve while Illinois seeks to improve upon their already superior home record which stands at an impressive 14-7. The game is set for 1:00 PM ET tip-off and will be shown on CBS.
Ohio State Buckeyes vs. Illinois Fighting Illini 2/2/25 Game Info
| When: | Sunday, February 2, 2025 at 1:00 PM ET |
|---|---|
| Where: | State Farm Center |
| TV: | CBS |
| Stream: | SofaScore |
| Team | SP/RL | TOTAL | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Buckeyes | +6.5 (-110) | Over 154 (-110) | +210 |  |
| Fighting Illini | -6.5 (-110) | Under 154 (-110) | -263 | |
| ||||
Quick turnaround trip ✈️ https://t.co/ViLsWgqcDV pic.twitter.com/XQoBrmayTa
— Ohio State Hoops (@OhioStateHoops) February 2, 2025
In this matchup, it clearly shows that the Illinois Fighting Illini are favored at home with -6.5 points and so this spread is very indicative of their standing. Both teams are expected to perform strongly and this is shown by the fact that the total for the game is set at 154 points. Considering the trends and performance, Illinois record at home means they will be favored in the betting market although the recent success boast of Ohio State against the spread may cloud some judgment.
Bruce Thornton (Guard) vs. Kasparas Jakucionis (Guard)
This season, Bruce Thornton has been an important player for the Ohio State Buckeyes. In over 21 games, he has maintained an average of 17 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game which showcases his floor leadership and shooting efficiency with a 52.3% field goal shooting and a 45.1% three-point shooting. These attributes, combined with his scoring efficiency will help Illinois’ hostile environment.
On the other hand, Illinois Fighting Illini will be counting on Kasparas Jakucionis. In 19 games played he managed to average 16 points, 5.8 rebounds and 5.4 assists per game. His decent all-around game is reinforced by his free throw shooting, which is 86.3%, and some three-point shooting 36.7 % which makes him a valuable asset. His all-round contributions which are exceedingly important for Illinois in closing moments of the game.
Buckeye’s Statistical Insight: Recent Form and Offensive Firepower
In their most recent games, the Buckeyes appear to be improving. They beat Iowa by a convincing score of 82-65 and then followed that up with an even stronger win against Penn State, beating them 83-64. These highlights showcase the team’s offense wherein they score an average of 80 points this season while shooting 48.2% from the field.
Illini’s Home Court Dominance: A Formidable Fortress
The Illinois Fighting Illini have managed to turn the State Farm Center into a real fortress winning 15 out of the last 19 home games losing only 4, but they do not seem incredibly strong winning their last match only 83 74 against Northwestern after suffering a surprise lost to Nebraska 74-80. Even with the agility shown In their last game, they still ensure frontrunning from their average of 85.2 points scored throughout the season.
Trends
Ohio State Buckeye Betting Trends
Ohio State are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games.
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Ohio State’s last 6 games.
Ohio State are 6-3 ATS in their last 9 games against Illinois.
Ohio State are 2-5 SU in their last 7 games against Illinois.
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Ohio State’s last 8 games on the road.
Illinois Fighting Illini Betting Trends
Illinois are 2-4 ATS in their last 6 games.
Illinois are 2-4 SU in their last 6 games.
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Illinois’ last 9 games against Ohio State.
Illinois are 15-4 SU in their last 19 games at home.
Illinois are 13-6 SU in their last 19 games against an opponent in the Big Ten conference.
Ohio State Buckeye vs. Illinois Fighting Illini Betting Prediction
This should be an intensely fought game based on the standings and recent form of both the teams. Illinois might be slight favorites here due to their excellent home record, but Ohio State is doing well lately against the spread and should be able to cover. Illinois and Ohio State are both capable of scoring a lot which means betting above the suggested points is probably a solid decision for those who are willing to gamble.
Ohio State will probably cover the spread and make them an attractive choice for ATS bets even if they lose the match at Illinois. The over also appears an attractive option given the offensive output from both teams in the season so far. Set your expectations to a fast paced game with extensive scoring from both ends and superb plays by the top performers such as Thornton and Jakucionis.
Score Prediction: Illinois 82, Ohio State 78
Hilbert Mayer
Sports Writer
Hilbert Mayer is a professional sports writer, betting analyst, and content strategist with over 15 years of experience in the sports industry. Before focusing on sports betting analysis and handicapping, Hilbert worked as a sports writer for various news outlets, covering everything from game recaps to in-depth matchup features. Today, he specializes in MLB, NFL, March Madness, and UFC betting, combining his journalistic background with deep statistical expertise and real-world betting insights. His proven track record, sharp reads, and ability to break down complex matchups make him a trusted voice among both casual bettors and seasoned sharps.
Published on: February 2, 2025
Last updated: March 28, 2025