Jan 24, 2026; West Lafayette, Indiana, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini center Zvonimir Ivisic (44) pulls down the jersey of Purdue Boilermakers center Oscar Cluff (45) during the second half at Mackey Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jacob Musselman-Imagn Images
Jacob Musselman-Imagn Images

Washington vs Illinois Prediction 1/29/2026 Today’s College Basketball Picks

Pick details

MATCHUP Washington Huskies Illinois Fighting Illini
Team Records 11-9 17-3
Where State Farm Center, Champaign, IL
When Thursday, January 29, 2026
Time 09:00 PM EST
TV FS1

In this article, we will formulate a Washington vs Illinois Prediction for this college basketball game on Thursday, January 29th. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this college basketball matchup.

Illinois Fighting Illini Preview


The Illinois Fighting Illini have a 17-3 overall record this season and an 8-1 record in the Big Ten. They are coming off an 88-82 away win against Purdue and their previous three games were an 89-70 home win against Maryland, a 77-67 home win against Minnesota and a 79-68 away win against Northwestern.

Offensively, Illinois averages 85.5 points per game, while allowing 68.3 points per game defensively. The Fighting Illini shoot with 47% from the field and grab 41.6 rebounds per game, while dishing out 14.6 assists per game. They average 5 blocks per game and 3.7 steals per game defensively.

Keaton Wagler leads Illinois in scoring, with an average of 17.5 points per game, while shooting with 47.7% from the field and 82.6% from the free throw line, also leading the team in assists with 4 per game. David Mirkovic is the team’s leading rebounder with 8.4 per game.

Washington Huskies Preview


The Washington Huskies have an 11-9 overall record this season and a 3-6 record in the Big Ten. They are coming off a 72-57 home win against Oregon and their previous three games were a 76-66 away loss against Nebraska, an 80-63 home loss against Michigan State and an 82-72 home loss against Michigan.

Offensively, Washington averages 79 points per game, while allowing 73.3 points per game defensively. The Huskies shoot with 45% from the field and grab 38.3 rebounds per game, while dishing out 13.9 assists per game. They average 4.3 blocks per game and 6.1 steals per game defensively.

Hannes Steinbach leads Washington in scoring, with an average of 17.5 points per game, while shooting with 52.4% from the field and 75.3% from the free throw line, also leading the team in rebounds with 11.2 per game. Zoom Diallo leads the team in assists with 3.6 per game.

Washington Huskies @ Illinois Fighting Illini Betting Trends: January 29, 2026


Why the Illinois Fighting Illini will win

  • Illinois has won each of its last 18 games against non-AP-ranked opponents.
  • Washington has lost each of its last nine night games against Conference opponents.
  • Illinois has won the first half in each of its last 14 night games against non-AP-ranked opponents.

Why the Washington Huskies will win

  • Washington has won eight of its last nine Thursday games.

Washington vs Illinois Prediction


In this Washington vs Illinois Prediction, Illinois is coming as -13.5 home favorites. Illinois has been the far better team this season, with just three defeats in 20 games played and have been almost perfect at home. They have nine consecutive wins and are 7-2 against the spread, while on the other hand, Washington is 2-5 in its last 7 games and have been inferior both on the offensive and the defensive end. Illinois has a dominating +17.2 point differential this season so I expect them to win this one comfortably at home. Take Illinois and lay the points.

Nikos Lagouretos's Pick: Illinois -13.5

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