Iowa Hawkeyes vs Illinois Fighting Illini Prediction – 3/13/2025

The Iowa Hawkeyes and the Illinois Fighting Illini are set to face off on Thursday, March 13, 2025, at 6:30 pm Eastern Time at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. This Big Ten Tournament matchup features two teams with contrasting seasons and styles, promising an intriguing contest for basketball enthusiasts and bettors alike.

Iowa Hawkeyes vs Illinois Fighting Illini Game Preview

The Iowa Hawkeyes enter this game with a 17-15 overall record and a 7-13 mark in Big Ten play. They are coming off a 77-70 victory over Ohio State, where they showcased their offensive prowess by shooting 54.7% from the field and 41.7% from beyond the arc. Key contributors included Payton Sandfort, who led the team with 17 points and three rebounds, and Josh Dix, who added 16 points and four assists. Despite this recent win, the Hawkeyes have struggled defensively throughout the season, allowing an average of 79.2 points per game. Offensively, they have been more consistent, averaging 82.3 points per game, with Sandfort leading the team at 16.3 points per game and Dix contributing 14.1 points per game.

On the other hand, the Illinois Fighting Illini boast a 20-11 record, including a 12-8 conference record. They are riding a three-game winning streak, highlighted by an impressive 88-80 victory over Purdue. In that game, Illinois demonstrated their offensive capabilities, shooting 49.1% from the field and 36.7% from three-point range. Will Riley led the charge with 22 points and four assists, while Tre White added 20 points and nine rebounds. The Fighting Illini have been solid on both ends of the court, averaging 83.7 points per game offensively and allowing 73.5 points per game defensively. Kasparas Jakucionis has been a standout performer, averaging 15.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game.

Betting Insights

For those interested in wagering on this game, here are some key betting insights:

• Point Spread: Illinois is favored by 10.5 points.
• Over/Under: The total points line is set at 166.5.

Additional betting trends to consider:

• Illinois has won eight of its last nine games against Iowa.
• Iowa has lost 11 of its last 12 games against AP-ranked opponents.
• Fifteen of Iowa's last 17 games at neutral venues have produced a total of 158 or fewer points.

Iowa Hawkeyes vs Illinois Fighting Illini Prediction

Considering the current form and statistical analysis, Illinois appears to have the upper hand in this matchup. Their recent victories, including a decisive 81-61 win over Iowa, highlight their dominance. While Iowa's offense is potent, their defensive vulnerabilities could be exploited by Illinois' balanced attack. Given these factors, the prediction leans towards Illinois covering the 10.5-point spread and the total points staying under 166.5.