Illinois Fighting Illini vs Ohio State Buckeyes Prediction, Odds and Picks for Tuesday, 12/09/25

Illinois enters this matchup with one of the most efficient and balanced offenses in the country, averaging nearly 89 points per game while allowing just over 69. The Illini’s offensive flow is anchored by dynamic guard play from Kylan Boswell and strong interior production from David Mirkovic, helping them rank among the nation’s top rebounding teams at 45+ boards per game with an impressive +11.7 rebound margin. Those extra possessions create second-chance opportunities and quick-transition opportunities — key ingredients for high-total games. Illinois also tends to impose a faster tempo when it controls the glass — and with the Buckeyes not particularly dominant on the defensive boards, the Fighting Illini should have opportunities to push pace and dictate style. Their consistency scoring in both the half court and in transition makes them one of the most reliable over teams in the Big Ten.

Ohio State brings similarly strong offensive firepower, averaging more than 88 points per game on an efficient 53% shooting, fueled by the perimeter threat of Bruce Thornton and balanced scoring across the roster. The Buckeyes can play in the half court, but they’re most dangerous when they turn rebounds or turnovers into early-offense opportunities. With Illinois’ aggressive rebounding style, this matchup projects plenty of live-ball sequences that favor tempo. Additionally, neither team has shown the defensive resistance necessary to consistently slow down elite scoring units — and recent line movement toward the over reflects betting agreement with that projection. Two of the conference’s most explosive offenses are squaring off, there is strong guard play on both sides, and the expected possession count is high.

Illinois vs Ohio State prediction: Over 159.5 (-110) available at time of publishing. Playable to 161.5.

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