Who's Playing

Northwestern @ Illinois

Current Records: Northwestern 20-7; Illinois 18-9

What to Know

After a three-game homestand, the #21 Northwestern Wildcats will be on the road. Northwestern and the Illinois Fighting Illini will face off in a Big Ten battle at 9 p.m. ET Thursday at State Farm Center. Both teams come into the contest bolstered by wins in their previous games.

The Wildcats made easy work of the Iowa Hawkeyes on Sunday and carried off an 80-60 win. It was another big night for Northwestern's guard Boo Buie, who had 23 points and eight assists.

Meanwhile, Illinois netted a 78-69 victory over the Minnesota Golden Gophers on Monday. Illinois got double-digit scores from five players: guard Matthew Mayer (22), guard Jayden Epps (17), forward Coleman Hawkins (16), forward Dain Dainja (12), and guard RJ Melendez (10).

Northwestern is expected to lose this next one by 5.5. They might be worth taking a chance on against the spread, however, as they are currently on a five-game streak of ATS wins.

The Wildcats had enough points to win and then some against the Fighting Illini in the teams' previous meeting in January, taking their game 73-60. The rematch might be a little tougher for Northwestern since the squad won't have home-court advantage. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.

How To Watch

  • When: Thursday at 9 p.m. ET
  • Where: State Farm Center -- Champaign, Illinois
  • TV: Big Ten Network
  • Follow: CBS Sports App
  • Ticket Cost: $12.00

Odds

The Fighting Illini are a solid 5.5-point favorite against the Wildcats, 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 5-point favorite.

Over/Under: -109

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Series History

Illinois have won ten out of their last 14 games against Northwestern.

  • Jan 04, 2023 - Northwestern 73 vs. Illinois 60
  • Feb 13, 2022 - Illinois 73 vs. Northwestern 66
  • Jan 29, 2022 - Illinois 59 vs. Northwestern 56
  • Feb 16, 2021 - Illinois 73 vs. Northwestern 66
  • Jan 07, 2021 - Illinois 81 vs. Northwestern 56
  • Feb 27, 2020 - Illinois 74 vs. Northwestern 66
  • Jan 18, 2020 - Illinois 75 vs. Northwestern 71
  • Mar 13, 2019 - Illinois 74 vs. Northwestern 69
  • Mar 03, 2019 - Illinois 81 vs. Northwestern 76
  • Jan 06, 2019 - Northwestern 68 vs. Illinois 66
  • Dec 01, 2017 - Northwestern 72 vs. Illinois 68
  • Feb 21, 2017 - Illinois 66 vs. Northwestern 50
  • Feb 07, 2017 - Illinois 68 vs. Northwestern 61
  • Feb 13, 2016 - Northwestern 58 vs. Illinois 56