| MATCHUP | Northwestern Wildcats | Illinois Fighting Illini |
|---|---|---|
| Team Records | 10-12 | 19-3 |
| Spread | +15.5 -120 | -15.5 100 |
| Moneyline | +900 | -1600 |
| Total | Over 150.5 (-110) | Under 150.5 (-110) |
| Where | State Farm Center, Champaign, IL | |
| When | Wednesday, February 4, 2026 | |
| Time | 09:00 PM EST | |
| TV | BTN | |
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.