Minnesota vs Illinois Prediction 1/17/2026 Today’s College Basketball Picks

In this article, we will formulate a Minnesota vs Illinois Prediction for this College Basketball game on Saturday, January 17th. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this College Basketball matchup.

Illinois Fighting Illini Preview

Illinois Fighting Illini have a 14-3 record this season and are tied in the 5th place of the Big Ten Conference. They have an 8-1 home record and are coming off a 79-68 away win against Northwestern. Their previous three games were a 75-69 away win against Iowa, a 81-55 home win against Rutgers and a 73-65 away win against Penn State.

Offensively, Illinois averages 85.6 points per game, while allowing 67.5 points per game defensively. The Fighting Illini shoot with 48% from the field and grab 41.8 rebounds per game, while dishing out 14.6 assists per game. They average 5.2 blocks per game and 3.9 steals per game defensively.

Keaton Wagler leads Illinois in scoring, with an average of 16.1 points per game, while shooting with 46.2% from the field and 83.7% from the free throw line, and leads the team in assists with 3.7 per game. David Mirkovic is the team’s leading rebounder with 8.4 per game.

Minnesota Golden Gophers Preview

Minnesota Golden Gophers have a 10-7 record this season and are tied in the 11th place of the Big Ten Conference. They have a 1-2 road record and are coming off a 78-75 home loss against Wisconsin. Their previous three games were a 70-69 home loss against USC, a 70-67 home win against Iowa and a 84-78 away win against Northwestern.

Offensively, Minnesota averages 73.1 points per game, while allowing 66.8 points per game defensively. The Golden Gophers shoot with 46% from the field and grab 34.5 rebounds per game, while dishing out 18.5 assists per game. They average 2.9 blocks per game and 7.2 steals per game defensively.

Cade Tyson leads Minnesota in scoring, with an average of 21.1 points per game, while shooting with 50.5% from the field and 79.4% from the free throw line. Jaylen Crocker-Johnson is the team’s leading rebounder with 6.7 per game. Isaac Asuma leads the team in assists with 4.3 per game.

Minnesota Golden Gophers @ Illinois Fighting Illini Betting Trends: January 17, 2026

Why the Illinois Fighting Illini will win

• Illinois has won each of its last 16 games against non-AP-ranked opponents.
• Minnesota has lost each of its last five games at State Farm Center.
• Illinois has won the first half in each of its last 16 games against non-AP-ranked opponents.

Why the Minnesota Golden Gophers will win

• Minnesota has won four of its last five day games.
• Illinois has lost three of its last four day games as a top-15 AP-ranked team.
• The road team has won the first half in three of Illinois’ last four games.

Total Points Facts

• Each of Illinois’ last 14 day games against Conference opponents have produced a total of 144+ points.
• Six of Minnesota’s last seven day games against AP-ranked opponents have produced a total of 139+ points.

Minnesota vs Illinois Prediction

In this Minnesota vs Illinois Prediction, Illinois is coming as -15.5 home favorites. Illinois has been the better team this season as they have just three losses in 17 games played and have been almost perfect at home. They are coming red-hot into this matchup, with an 8-1 record in their last 9 games and 7-2 against the spread, while on the other hand, Minnesota has back-to-back losses and failed to cover the spread. Illinois has a +18.1 point differential this season and I expect them to win this one comfortably. Take Illinois and lay the points at home.

Nikos Lagouretos's Pick: Illinois -15.5