Illinois Fighting Illini vs Ohio State Buckeyes Prediction and Picks - December 9, 2025
Big 10 College Basketball action on Tuesday evening, and we have an Illinois vs Ohio State prediction ready to rock and roll. The Illini come in off a 75-62 win over Tennessee and are now 7-2 on the year. Ohio State comes in off an 86-82 road win over Northwestern to move to 7-1 on the season. Illinois won both meetings between these teams a year ago. Continue reading to see our Illinois vs Ohio State prediction.
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Defense Leads Illini Over The Vols
Illinois’ most recent game was a 75–62 win over No. 13 Tennessee on December 6, where Tomislav Ivisic and freshman Keaton Wagler each scored 16 points, and senior guard Kylan Boswell added 15 despite briefly leaving with a shoulder issue. The Illini snapped a five-game skid in neutral-site games against ranked opponents, improving to 7–2 overall and showing resilience against a tough SEC opponent.
Offensively, Illinois has been one of the most productive teams in the Big Ten, averaging 88.7 points per game while shooting 48.1% from the field. Boswell leads the team at 17 points per game, while Andrej Stojakovic and David Mirkovic provide steady scoring and rebounding. The Illini also get strong contributions from their frontcourt, with Ivisic brothers Tomislav and Zvonimir combining for size and rim protection. Illinois ranks top‑20 nationally in rebounding (43.0 per game) and has balanced scoring across multiple players, making them difficult to defend.
Defensively, Illinois holds opponents to 69.3 points per game and just 39.9% shooting, with their length and depth creating problems for opposing offenses. They’ve been particularly effective at limiting three‑point looks, allowing just 31.9% from deep, and their ability to control the boards has been a difference-maker. Against Ohio State, Illinois will lean on Boswell’s leadership and their frontcourt depth to try to disrupt the Buckeyes’ efficient offense.
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Buckeyes De-Claw The Wildcats
Ohio State’s most recent game was an 86–82 win over Northwestern on December 6, where Brandon Noel scored 29 points on 13‑for‑15 shooting and Bruce Thornton dished out 10 assists. The Buckeyes improved to 7–1 overall and 1–0 in Big Ten play, showing poise in a tight road win that came down to late execution.
Offensively, Ohio State has been elite, averaging 88.4 points per game while shooting 53.0% from the field, one of the top marks nationally. Thornton leads the team with 20.1 points per game and has been efficient from deep, while Christoph Tilly and Devin Royal provide reliable scoring in the frontcourt. John Mobley Jr. adds perimeter shooting, and Noel’s breakout performance against Northwestern highlighted the Buckeyes’ depth. They also rank high in assists (17.6 per game) and free‑throw shooting (77.8%), giving them balance across the board.
Defensively, Ohio State allows 69.1 points per game and holds opponents to 41.8% shooting, with their size inside helping limit easy looks. They’ve been particularly strong at defending the three, allowing just 26.8% from deep, which ranks among the best in the country. The Buckeyes’ ability to combine efficient offense with disciplined defense makes them a dangerous opponent, especially at home where they are unbeaten. Against Illinois, the matchup between Thornton and Boswell in the backcourt will be pivotal, while Noel’s interior scoring could test the Illini’s front line.
Illinois vs Ohio State Pick
Illinois vs Ohio State Spread Pick
- Illinois -3.5 (5 Units)
Illinois comes into Columbus off a 75–62 win over Tennessee on December 6, a statement victory where Tomislav Ivisic and Keaton Wagler each scored 16 points and Kylan Boswell added 15. The Illini are averaging 88.7 points per game while holding opponents to just 39.9% shooting, and their depth across the roster makes them difficult to defend. Boswell’s steady scoring and playmaking, combined with Mirkovic’s rebounding presence, give Illinois multiple ways to attack. They’ve also been strong on the glass (43 rebounds per game, 17th nationally) and efficient at the line (77% FT), which helps them close games late.
Ohio State has been impressive offensively, averaging 88.4 points per game and shooting 53% from the field, but Illinois’ defense is built to disrupt that rhythm. The Illini have covered four times this season when favored by at least 3.5, and they’ve won six of seven games as a moneyline favorite. While Bruce Thornton is a dangerous scorer for the Buckeyes, Illinois’ size and versatility in the backcourt — especially with Wagler’s ability to create mismatches — give them an edge. With momentum from their Tennessee win and a defense that can force Ohio State into tougher looks, Illinois -3.5 is a play backed by both numbers and matchup dynamics.
Illinois vs Ohio State Over/Under Pick
- Under 155 (4 Units)
The Under 155 feels like the sharper angle in Illinois–Ohio State because both teams have shown they can score efficiently, but their defenses are strong enough to keep this from turning into a track meet. Illinois just held Tennessee to 62 points on December 6, and for the season they allow only 69.3 points per game while limiting opponents to 39.9% shooting. Ohio State, despite averaging 88.4 points per game, has been excellent at guarding the perimeter, holding opponents to 26.8% from three, and they give up just 69.1 points per game. With both sides ranking top‑20 nationally in defensive efficiency and rebounding, possessions are likely to be contested and second‑chance looks limited. Factor in the Big Ten’s tendency toward slower, grind‑it‑out games, and the Under 155 is supported by both recent form and season-long numbers.
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