Illinois vs Iowa Prediction 1/11/2026 Today’s College Basketball Picks

In this article we will formulate an Illinois vs Iowa prediction for this College Basketball game on Sunday, January 11th at Carver-Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City, Iowa. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this College Basketball matchup.

Illinois Fighting Illini Betting Preview

The Illinois Fighting Illini are 12-3 (3-1) this season after they defeated Rutgers by a score of 81-55 in their last game. Illinois led 43-16 at halftime, but they were outscored 39-38 in the second half in the win. The Fighting Illini shot 44% from the field, 35% on three pointers, and 86% on free throws in the game. Keaton Wagler led Illinois with 17 points and seven rebounds, while Tomislav Ivisic added 14 points and four rebounds in the win. 

Prior to that game, Illinois defeated Penn State by a score of 73-65 and Southern by a score of 90-55. The Fighting Illini have scored 86.7 points per game with 42.6 rebounds and 14.8 assists per game, while they have allowed 67.3 points against per game this season. Keaton Wagler is averaging 15.5 points and 5.2 rebounds per game, while Kylan Boswell is averaging 14.5 points and 3.3 assists per game for the Fighting Illini. Illinois is shooting 47.6% from the field, 79.7% on free throws, and 34.8% on three pointers this season. 

Iowa Hawkeyes Betting Preview

The Iowa Hawkeyes are 12-3 (2-2) this year after they lost to Minnesota by a score of 70-67 in their last game. Iowa trailed 31-24 at halftime, but did score 43 points in the second half, before missing a few open looks to tie the game on the final possession. The Hawkeyes shot 40% from the field, 27% on three pointers, and 77% on free throws in the game. Bennett Stirtz led Iowa with 21 points and two assists, while Kael Combs added 14 points and two assists in the loss. 

Prior to that game, Iowa defeated UCLA by a score of 74-61 and UMass-Lowell by a score of 90-62. The Hawkeyes have scored 79.8 points per game with 31.7 rebounds and 16.7 assists per game, while they have allowed 60.8 points against per game this season. Bennett Stirtz is averaging 18.0 points and 5.0 assists per game, while Tavion Banks is averaging 9.3 points and 4.4 rebounds per game for the Hawkeyes. Iowa is shooting 51.9% from the field, 75.7% on free throws, and 37.5% on three pointers this year. 

Why the Iowa Hawkeyes will win

• Iowa has won each of its last seven day games.
• Illinois has lost eight of its last nine day games as an AP-ranked team against an AP-ranked team.

Why the Illinois Fighting Illini will win

• Iowa has lost 14 of its last 15 games against AP-ranked opponents.
• Illinois has won each of its last four games.

Total Points Facts

• Each of Illinois’ last 13 day games against the Big Ten Conference have produced a total of 154+ points.
• Fourteen of Iowa’s last 16 day games against the Big Ten Conference have produced a total of 147+ points.

Illinois vs Iowa Prediction 

Iowa comes into this matchup looking to bounce back from a rough loss to Minnesota in their last game and they will be at home here. The Hawkeyes are 2-2 in conference play, but they are shooting 52% from the field. Iowa has also played great defense, as they have allowed 62 points or fewer in four of their last five. Illinois has won four in a row and they have allowed 65 points or fewer in all four wins. The Fighting Illini do have a conference loss to Nebraska, but they beat Penn State in their last road game. This should be a great game to watch, but Iowa is always strong at home and I trust their defense more. Take Iowa to win here.

David Racey's Pick: Iowa ML