Ohio State vs Illinois | Predictions

NCAA Basketball Free Pick – Saturday, January 22, 2011

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Ohio State (19-0) vs Illinois (14-5)
Saturday, January 22, 2011  at 12:00 PM EST on CBS

Last meeting: Ohio State beat Illinois 88-81 in overtime in the Big Ten tournament last March.

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It feels like the season just started but Ohio State is already 19-0.  They assumed the top spot in the polls after Duke lost but before blowing out Iowa earlier in the week had played four tight games in a row.  Those wins were against some of the conference’s weaker teams but now they have to travel to Champaign to take on the Illini, an experienced team with momentum from beating Michigan State.  Even though the Buckeyes have tons of experience it is the new guys leading the way.  Everyone knows about Jared Sullinger by now but did you know that fellow frosh Aaron Craft leads the team in assists and steals.  Sullinger, Craft and DeShaun Thomas make the Ohio State 7 man rotation about as good as it gets in the college game giving them an excellent chance to run the table this season.

But not if Illinois has anything to do with it.  The Illini might be a little light on talent when compared to OSU but they have a very good senior trio of Mike Tisdale, Mike Davis and Dametri McCamey and a good supporting cast.  Davis and Tisdale often tease but McCamey may be the best point guard in the nation and when you have one of those you are able to stay in big games like this one.  The Illini are perfect at home this season (7-3 ATS) and if they want to stay that way they will have to play their best game of the season to beat the Buckeyes.  They have beaten good teams, including Michigan State earlier in the week, but none have been as complete as OSU.  I think they have a chance but is a slim one.

The odds makers have the Ohio State Buckeyes as a -3 point favorite at BetUs.com.

Prediction: This will be a very good game but I don’t think OSU is ready to give up being perfect just yet.  With their more experienced wing players they will take control of the game late with some big shots.

Score:  Ohio State 77 – Illinois 74

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Ohio State Buckeyes Betting Trends:

• Buckeyes are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games following a SU win of more than 20 points.
• Buckeyes are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600.
• Buckeyes are 7-2 ATS in their last 9 road games.

Illinois Fighting Illini Betting Trends:

• Fighting Illini are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.
• Fighting Illini are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of greater than .600.
• Fighting Illini are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 vs. Big Ten.

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