The Big Ten Second Round continues Thursday night when the Penn State Nittany Lions (19-12, 10-10 in Big Ten) play the Illinois Fighting Illini (20-11, 11-9). Jerry Palm currently has Penn State as one of the last four teams in the bracket and Illinois as the eighth seed in the South. Below is my college basketball pick for Penn State vs Illinois.
Penn State vs Illinois Betting Pick
| ℹ️ The Pick: | Penn State +1 |
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This game will be played at United Center at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 9, 2023.
Why Bet Penn State +1
✅ Penn State is 5-1 in their last six games played.
✅ The Nittany Lions are 10-3 ATS in their last 13 games against the Fighting Illini.
✅ Illinois is 1-4 ATS in their last five games overall.
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Penn State Nittany Lions: No Margin For Error Entering Big Ten Tournament
Last time out, Penn State used a massive second half to win, at home, 65-64 over #21 Maryland. The Terrapins had no business losing this game as they led by 13 points at the half and by nine with under six to go, but Penn State was not done. The Nittany Lions chipped away all second half and got the win on a layup with under one second to go. Penn State trailed by as many as 16 points, never led by more than six, and could not cover the -3.5-point spread.
Jalen Pickett had 16 points, seven rebounds, seven assists, and four steals on the day. Andrew Funk added 14 points and three rebounds in the victory.
Through 31 games, Penn State is scoring 72.4 points per game, shooting 46.7% from the field, and assisting on 14.3 made shots. The Nittany Lions are allowing 68.2 points, grabbing 32.1 rebounds, blocking 2.3 shots, and stealing the ball 4.5 times.
Illinois Fighting Illini: Will Playing in Illinois Lead To Quarterfinal Trip?
Illinois visited the #5 Purdue Boilermakers and saw their second half comeback come up short in a 76-71 defeat. The Boilermakers were in control throughout, leading by 21 points at the half, but the Fighting Illini kept chipping away and made it uncomfortable for Purdue in the end. Illinois trailed by as many as 24 points, never led in the game, and covered the +6.5-point spread.
Matthew Mayer had 16 points, six rebounds, one assist, and two steals in the game. Terrence Shannon Jr. added 13 points, one rebound, two assists, and one block in the loss.
After 31 games, Illinois is scoring 74.6 points per game, shooting 45.1% from the field, and assisting on 12.4 made shots. The Fighting Illini are allowing 66.6 points, grabbing 38.1 rebounds, blocking 5.7 shots, and stealing the ball 6.8 times.
