Northwestern vs Illinois Prediction 2/4/2026 Today’s College Basketball Picks

The Northwestern Wildcats and the Illinois Fighting Illini meet Wednesday in college basketball action from the State Farm Center. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best bets for this game. Here’s a Northwestern Wildcats vs. Illinois Fighting Illini prediction.

Northwestern Wildcats Recap

The Northwestern Wildcats come into this game looking to bounce back from their 76-62 loss at the hands of Washington last time out to sit at 10-12 this season. After this game, Northwestern will head on the road for a game against Iowa.

Wildcats Drop 7 Of Last 9 Games

Nick Martinelli leads the Wildcats in scoring and rebounding with 23.7 PPG and 6.8 RPG while Arrinten Page has 11.7 PPG with 5.1 RPG of his own along with 2 APG and Jayden Reid has 10.5 PPG with a team-high 5.3 APG to lead the Wildcats in assists and to cap off the trio of double-digit scorers for Northwestern up to this point in the year. Tre Singleton also has 8.1 PPG with 5.3 RPG as well on the year. As a team, Northwestern is averaging 76.6 PPG on 46.8% shooting from the field, 32% from three and 74.3% from the foul line this season.

Illinois Fighting Illini Recap

The Illinois Fighting Illini come into this game looking to add on to their 78-69 win over Nebraska last time out to sit at 19-3 this season. After this game, Illinois will head on the road for a game against Michigan State.

Fighting Illini Win 11 Straight

Keaton Wagler leads the Illini in scoring with 18.1 PPG along with 5 RPG and 4.2 APG while Andrej Stojakovic has 13.3 PPG with 4.5 RPG. Kylan Boswell has 14.3 PPG with 4.2 RPG and a team-high 3.4 APG to lead the Illini in assists and David Mirkovic has 12.4 PPG with a team-high 8.2 RPG to lead the Illini in rebounding as well this season. Tomislav Ivisic has 10.1 PPG with 5.3 RPG to cap off the group of double-digit scorers for Illinois up to this point in the year. Zvonimir Ivisic also has 7.2 PPG and 5 RPG as well this season. As a team, Illinois is averaging 84.6 PPG on 46.8% shooting from the field, 35.6% from three and 78.9% from the foul line this season.

Northwestern Wildcats @ Illinois Fighting Illini Betting Trends: February 4, 2026

Why the Illinois Fighting Illini will win

• Illinois has won each of its last 19 games against non-AP-ranked opponents.
• Northwestern has lost each of its last 10 games against AP-ranked opponents.
• Illinois has won the first half in each of its last 15 night games against non-AP-ranked opponents.

Why the Northwestern Wildcats will win

• Northwestern has won the first half in four of its last five road night games against Conference opponents.

Total Points Facts

• Each of Northwestern’s last six games against AP-ranked opponents have produced a total of 147 or fewer points.
• Seven of Illinois’ last eight games against non-AP-ranked opponents have produced a total of 147 or fewer points.

Matchup/League Facts

• Illinois ranks 365th among Division 1 teams for steals per game this season (3.7).
• Illinois ranks 365th among Division 1 teams for opponent turnovers per game this season (8.0).
• Northwestern ranks 2nd among Division 1 teams for assist to turnover ratio this season (2.10).
• Northwestern ranks 3rd among Division 1 teams for turnovers per game this season (8.6).

Northwestern Wildcats vs. Illinois Fighting Illini Prediction

I’m on the Wildcats and the points here. This is a rivalry game, and we saw Northwestern hang around earlier this year. I think the Illini probably win this game, but I think the Wildcats can keep it respectable with Illinois in a bit of a sandwich spot here after the win over Nebraska with Michigan State on deck. Give me Northwestern and the points here.

Chris Ruffolo's Pick: Northwestern +14.5