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Illinois vs Nebraska Prediction 2/1/2026 Today’s College Basketball Picks
Pick details
| MATCHUP | Illinois Fighting Illini | Nebraska Cornhuskers |
|---|---|---|
| Team Records | 18-3 | 20-1 |
| Spread | +1.5 -102 | -1.5 -118 |
| Moneyline | +124 | -148 |
| Total | Over 150.5 (-108) | Under 150.5 (-112) |
| Where | Pinnacle Bank Arena, Lincoln, NE | |
| When | Sunday, February 1, 2026 | |
| Time | 04:00 PM EST | |
| TV | FS1 | |
The Illinois Fighting Illini and the Nebraska Cornhuskers will meet on Sunday afternoon in a high‑stakes Big Ten matchup at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln, Nebraska.
Nebraska Cornhuskers Betting Preview
The Nebraska Cornhuskers enter Sunday afternoon’s matchup with a 20–1 overall win-loss record, including a 9–1 mark in conference play and an undefeated 12-0 record at home. The Cornhuskers have amassed wins over Rutgers, North Carolina, Pittsburgh, Illinois, Northwestern and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the team’s 15 game winning streak to start the 2025 regular season. In the Nebraska Cornhuskers 72-69 victory over the Ohio State Buckeyes earlier this season, Nebraska forward Rienk Mast accumulated 12 points (5 of 13 shooting from the field), 4 rebounds, 2 assists and 1 block illustrating his ability to lead the Cornhuskers frontcourt.
The Nebraska Cornhuskers average 80.5 points on 47.5 percent shooting from the field (52nd in country) and 34.2 percent shooting from beyond the arc per game. Defensively, the Cornhuskers are allowing opponents 65.4 points which ranks 12th in the country.
Senior forward Rienk Mast leads the Nebraska Cornhuskers averaging 14.6 points, 6.6 rebounds, 3 assists and 0.6 steals per game. Junior forward Pryce Sandfort averages 17.4 points, 4.7 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.2 steals per contest, while freshman forward Braden Frager provides frontcourt depth contributing 12.2 points, 4.2 rebounds, 1.1 assists and 0.5 steals per game.
Illinois Fighting Illini Betting Preview
The Illinois Fighting Illini enter Sunday’s contest with an 18–3 record, including a 9–1 record in conference play and a rather impressive 5-0 record on the road. The Illini have compiled wins over Jackson State, Florida Gulf Coast, Texas Tech and the Long Island University Sharks, while dropping games to Alabama and the Connecticut Huskies. In the Illinois Fighting Illini’s 75–62 victory over the Tennessee Volunteers last month, Illinois forward Tomislav Ivisic posted 16 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 blocks, providing the Fighting Illini with efficient frontcourt production.
The Illinois Fighting Illini average 85 points (28th in nation) on 46.9 percent shooting from the field and 33.2 percent shooting from three‑point range per game. Defensively, the Illini are allowing opponents 68.2 points per game which ranks 37th in nation.
Senior guard Kylan Boswell leads the Illinois Fighting Illini averaging 14.3 points, 4.2 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 0.7 steals per game. Junior guard Andrej Stojakovic adds 13.6 points and 4.7 rebounds per game, while junior forward Tomislav Ivisic contributes 10 points, 5.2 rebounds and 1.3 assists per contest.
Why the Nebraska Cornhuskers will win
• Perfect record. The Nebraska Cornhuskers arrive at tomorrow afternoon’s game with an undefeated record (15–0) this season.
• Elite defense. Defensively, the Cornhuskers are allowing opponents 65.4 points which ranks 12th in the country.
• Balanced scoring. Rienk Mast, Pryce Sandfort, and Braden Frager are averaging over 12.2 points per game.
Why the Illinois Fighting Illini will win
• Explosive guard play. Senior guard Kylan Boswell leads the Illinois Fighting Illini averaging 14.3 points, 4.2 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 0.7 steals per game.
• Frontcourt presence. Junior center Tomislav Ivisic provide rebounding and efficient interior scoring.
• Momentum. Illinois arrives at tomorrow’s contest on the heels of a ten game winning streak.
Illinois Fighting Illini vs. Nebraska Cornhuskers Prediction
This matchup features the Illinois Fighting Illini’s quality defense rebounding strength against a Nebraska team that has an outstanding defense and an undefeated record at home (12-0) this season. Illinois scoring balance gives the Illini a path to stay competitive, but Nebraska’s home‑court advantage, offensive versatility and elite defense present a difficult challenge. For the reasons just noted, I am backing the Nebraska Cornhuskers to cover the 1.5 points in this game.
