Alabama Crimson Tide vs Illinois Fighting Illini Prediction and Picks - November 19, 2025
Wednesday evening on the college hardwood, and we have an Alabama vs Illinois prediction ready to rock and roll. Alabama is off an 87-80 home loss to Purdue, which dropped them to 2-1 on the year. Illinois comes in at 4-0 on the year and off an 84-65 home win over Colgate. These teams met last year, and Alabama won that game at home by a score of 100-84. Can Illinois get revenge for that game? Continue reading to see our Alabama vs Illinois prediction.
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Bama Takes Tough Loss Against Purdue
Alabama comes into this matchup after a hard-fought 87-80 loss to Purdue on November 13. The Crimson Tide battled throughout, tying the game at 66-66 midway through the second half, but ultimately couldn’t overcome Purdue’s dominance on the glass, being outrebounded 52-28. Aden Holloway led Alabama with 21 points, hitting four threes, while Labaron Philon added 17 points and Taylor Bol Bowen chipped in 13. Houston Mallette hit a clutch three late to tie the game at 80, but Purdue’s Braden Smith closed it out with a layup and free throws. Despite the loss, Alabama showed its offensive firepower and resilience against one of the nation’s top teams.
Offensively, Alabama continues to thrive, averaging 91.3 points per game with Holloway and Philon forming one of the most dynamic backcourts in the country. Bowen and Sherrell provide balance with efficient shooting, while Allen anchors the glass at seven rebounds per game. The Tide’s three-point shooting has been streaky, but when they’re hot, they can overwhelm opponents quickly. Defensively, however, Alabama’s struggles were evident against Purdue, as they allowed 19 offensive rebounds and 16 second-chance points. Their season averages of 82 points allowed per game and opponents shooting 45% highlight the need for improvement.
For Alabama to bounce back against Illinois, they’ll need Holloway and Philon to control tempo and avoid turnovers, while Allen and Bowen must battle inside to prevent Illinois from dominating the boards. The Tide’s ability to push pace and hit perimeter shots will be critical, but their defense must tighten up against Illinois’ efficient scorers. If Alabama can replicate their offensive energy from the Purdue game while shoring up rebounding, they’ll have a chance to rebound with a statement win.
| # | Handicapper | Profit |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |  Ricky Tran | +4,262.00 |
| 2 |  Nick Parsons | +2,288.00 |
| 3 |  Mark Ruelle | +2,021.00 |
| 4 |  David Delano | +1,449.00 |
| 5 |  Stephen Nover | +1,020.00 |
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Illinois Off To A Strong 4-0 Start
Illinois enters this contest riding high after an 84-65 win over Colgate on November 14. Freshman David Mirkovic delivered a historic performance, scoring 27 points and grabbing 21 rebounds — the first Illini player with a 20-20 game since 1972. Keaton Wagler added 19 points and six rebounds, while Kylan Boswell chipped in 11 points. Illinois dominated the glass, outrebounding Colgate 49-29, including 22 offensive boards that led to 22 second-chance points. The win kept Illinois undefeated at 4-0 and showcased their size and depth.
Offensively, Illinois has been elite, averaging 97.8 points per game while shooting nearly 50% from the field. Boswell has been a steady leader at 18.5 points per game, while Wagler and Mirkovic provide inside-out balance. Andrej Stojakovic has emerged as a versatile scorer, adding 13.7 points per game, and Zvonimir Ivisic has been a defensive force with 3.3 blocks per game. Their free-throw shooting has been excellent at 79%, giving them an edge in close games.
Defensively, Illinois has been dominant, holding opponents to just 66.8 points per game and under 40% shooting. Their perimeter defense has been particularly strong, limiting opponents to 25.8% from three. With Mirkovic and Ivisic controlling the paint and their guards contesting shots, Illinois has the tools to frustrate Alabama’s high-octane offense. Against the Tide, Illinois will look to slow the pace, dominate the boards, and force Alabama into half-court sets. If they can replicate their rebounding dominance from the Colgate game, Illinois will be well-positioned to control this matchup
Alabama vs Illinois Pick
Alabama vs Illinois Spread Pick
- Illinois -3.5 (1 Unit)
Illinois -3.5 looks like the right side given how dominant the Illini have been on both ends of the floor. They’re coming off an 84-65 win over Colgate where David Mirkovic posted a monster 27-point, 21-rebound performance, showing just how overwhelming their frontcourt can be. With Kaspars Boswell averaging 18.5 points and shooting over 43% from three, plus Kylan Wagler adding 17.5 points per game, Illinois has multiple scoring options that can punish Alabama’s defense. The Illini also rank top-100 nationally in field goal percentage and top-35 in free-throw shooting, giving them efficiency across the board. Against an Alabama team that just allowed 87 points and was outrebounded badly in a loss to Purdue, Illinois’ size and balance should be decisive.
Defensively, Illinois has been elite, holding opponents to just 66.8 points per game and under 40% shooting. Their perimeter defense is particularly strong, limiting opponents to 25.8% from three, which directly counters Alabama’s backcourt firepower from Holloway and Philon. With Mirkovic and Zvonimir Ivisic controlling the paint and providing rim protection, Illinois has the tools to neutralize Alabama’s transition game and force them into tougher half-court looks. If Illinois can replicate the rebounding dominance they showed against Colgate and maintain their defensive intensity, they’re well-positioned to cover the -3.5 spread by dictating tempo and wearing down the Tide inside.
Alabama vs Illinois Over/Under Pick
- Over 181 (3 Units)
The Over 181 makes sense given the offensive profiles of both Alabama and Illinois, as each team ranks among the nation’s top scoring units. Alabama averages 91.3 points per game behind the explosive backcourt of Holloway and Philon, while Illinois puts up 97.8 points per game with Boswell, Wagler, and Mirkovic leading a balanced attack. Both teams thrive in transition and have multiple double-digit scorers, which should push pace and create plenty of possessions. While Illinois’ defense has been strong, Alabama’s ability to stretch the floor and Illinois’ rebounding dominance suggest second-chance opportunities and high shot volume. With two high-powered offenses colliding, this matchup projects as a track meet, making the Over 181 a logical play.
