Expert prediction
NCAAB: #9 Illinois vs #1 Purdue Odds, and Picks (Jan 5)
Pick rationale
Analysis & key factors
- Illinois fully clobbered Northwestern on Tuesday, defeating them 96-66.
- Purdue continued to surge against Maryland, winning 67-53 on the road.
- These two teams last met on March 5, 2023, in a game Purdue won 76-71.
The college basketball season is in full swing! Let’s take a look at the upcoming Illinois vs Purdue matchup.
How to Watch
- FS1
Preview
Illinois climbed to 11-2 following their dominant win over Northwestern. They’ve surged past all of their unranked competition, going 10-0 in those games, and winning by nearly 30 ppg. In their three games against ranked teams, they went 1-2, defeating #17 FAU, but losing to #5 Tennessee and #7 Marquette. Illinois will need to find a way to replace leading-scorer Terrence Shannon Jr, who was criminally charged.
Purdue remained at the #1 spot after surging past Maryland. The Boilermakers have been perfect this season, aside from their lone loss at Northwestern. They’ve racked up wins against Tennessee, Marquette, Arizona, and Gonzaga, building an impressive rĂ©sumĂ©. Purdue will look to add to that ranked win total against Illinois, with 7’4 Center Zach Edey continuing to lead the way as one of the NCAA’s best players.
Prediction
Following the criminal charges of Terrence Shannon Jr., Illinois is a much different team to analyze. It will be incredibly difficult to make up for the 21.7 ppg that Shannon provided. While the Fighting Illini still have very talented players on their roster, and could remain ranked, beating the #1 team is another story. This game shouldn’t be a total blowout, but I do see Purdue winning this matchup at home without much issue.
NCAAB Picks:
- Purdue 79, Illinois 68 ()
NCAAB
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