Who's Playing

UTRGV @ No. 14 Illinois

Current Records: UTRGV 4-2; Illinois 3-2

What to Know

The #14 Illinois Fighting Illini will take on the UTRGV Vaqueros at 8 p.m. ET on Friday at State Farm Center. The Fighting Illini are the favorite in this one, with an expected 26.5-point margin of victory.

Illinois has more to be thankful for after their contest against the Kansas State Wildcats on Tuesday. Illinois was able to grind out a solid win over K-State, winning 72-64. Center Kofi Cockburn (23 points) and guard Alfonso Plummer (21 points) were the top scorers for Illinois. Alfonso Plummer's performance made up for a slower game against the Cincinnati Bearcats on Monday. Plummer's points were the most he has had all season.

As for UTRGV, they can't say they have nothing to be thankful for this Thanksgiving week. On Tuesday, they secured a 72-67 W over the Cal State Fullerton Titans.

This next matchup looks promising for the Fighting Illini, who are favored by a full 26.5 points. They may be expected to win, but bettors beware: they are only 1-4 against the spread when favored.

Their wins bumped Illinois to 3-2 and the Vaqueros to 4-2. Kofi Cockburn will be someone to keep an eye on after he posted a double-double on 23 points and 13 rebounds on Tuesday. Let's see if he can build on that strong performance or if UTRGV's defense can bottle him up.

How To Watch

  • When: Friday at 8 p.m. ET
  • Where: State Farm Center -- Champaign, Illinois
  • TV: BTN Plus
  • Follow: CBS Sports App
  • Ticket Cost: $9.00

Odds

The Fighting Illini are a big 26.5-point favorite against the Vaqueros, according to the latest college basketball odds.

The oddsmakers had a good feel for the line for this one, as the game opened with the Fighting Illini as a 27-point favorite.

Over/Under: -112

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Series History

This is the first time these teams have played each other within the last six years.

Injury Report for Illinois

  • Trent Frazier: Game-Time Decision (Leg)
  • Luke Goode: Game-Time Decision (Back)

Injury Report for UTRGV

No Injury Information