Michigan (22-6) vs Illinois (18-11)
March 2, 2025 at 03:45 PM EST
The Line: Betting Odds: Michigan -3.5 — Over/Under: 159.5
The Illinois Fighting Illini and Michigan Wolverines meet on Sunday in college basketball action at Crisler Center. Here’s an Illinois vs Michigan Prediction. This article will include an Illinois vs Michigan Pick.
Illinois Fighting Illini Betting Preview
The Illinois Fighting Illini (18-11, 13-15-1 ATS) successfully responded to their worst stretch of the season and three straight defeats with a comfortable 81-61 home victory over Iowa. The Fighting Illini lost to Michigan State, Wisconsin, and Duke prior to that win, allowing a season-high 110 points in a loss to the Blue Devils. Illinois is 8th in the Big Ten Standings with the same record as Oregon and 4.5 games behind Michigan State and Michigan.
Illinois averages 83.2 PPG (16th) and allows 73.3 PPG (227th). The Fighting Illinois are 3rd in rebounds (42.9) and 131st in assists (14.6). Kasparas Jakucionis leads the team with 15.3 PPG, 5.6 RPG, a team-high 4.8 APG, and 1.0 SPG. Tomislav Ivisic follows him with 12.8 PPG, a team-high 7.9 RPG, 2.1 APG, and a team-high 1.2 SPG, while Will Riley has 11.8 PPG, 4.0 RPG, and 2.1 APG.
Michigan Wolverines Betting Preview
The Michigan Wolverines (22-6, 13-15 ATS) were on a six-game winning streak before a painful loss to the in-state rivals Michigan State. Still, the Wolverines bounced back with a pair of victories over Nebraska and Rutgers and will play two of the remaining three regular-season games at home. Michigan is sharing a top spot with Michigan Stateas is two wins ahead of Wisconsin.
Michigan is averaging 79.8 PPG (50th) and is allowing 70.6 PPG (144th). The Wolverines are getting 38.2 RPG (57th) and dish out 16.4 APG (43rd). Vladislav Goldin is the team’s top scorer with 15.9 PPG, 6.4 RPG, and a team-high 1.5 BPG. Danny Wolf adds 12.6 PPG, a team-high 9.8 RPG, 3.8 APG, and 1.4 BPG, while Tre Donaldson contributes 12.0, PPG, 3.6 RPG, a team-high 4.0 APG, and a team-high 1.0 SPG.
Why Michigan will beat Illinois
- Michigan has won each of its last 11 home games against non-AP-ranked opponents.
- Illinois has lost each of its last four games against AP-ranked opponents.
- Illinois has lost the first half in three of its last four road games against Conference opponents.
Total Points Facts
- Five of Michigan’s last six home games against Conference opponents have produced a total of 156 or fewer points.
- Each of Illinois’ last five Sunday road games against the Big Ten Conference have produced a total of 158 or fewer points.
Matchup/League Facts
- Michigan ranks 29th among Division 1 teams for opponent assists per game this season (10.9).
- Michigan ranks 29th among Division 1 teams for effective field goal percentage this season (55.9%).
- Illinois ranks T5th among Division 1 teams for three-point field goal attempts per game this season (30.1).
- Illinois ranks 358th among Division 1 teams for steals per game this season (4.6).
Illinois vs Michigan Prediction
Illinois has owned Michigan in recent years; the Fighting Illini won each of the last eight H2H encounters, including four at Michigan. Even so, I am going with the hot Wolverines, who are one of the most consistent and best teams in the country. Michigan is 13-1 at home, while Illinois is 4-5 on the road. Illinois has only hit the Moneyline in 24 of its last 38 games. Apart from a solid win over Iowa, Illinois’ defense struggled lately, allowing 78+ points in four of the previous five games. I would be surprised if they manage to keep the hosts below 80 in this one. Back the Wolverines to cover.