#18 Purdue vs Illinois: Odds, Predictions & Key Insights | March 7, 2025

The Fighting Illini have been dominant at home and look to keep rolling as they face No. 18 Purdue. The Boilermakers, fresh off a 100-point performance, now face a much tougher defensive challenge in Champaign. With Illinois hitting its stride, this matchup could set the tone for their Big Ten Tournament push.

Write Up Transparency

Be sure to follow me on X/Twitter @C_marchio2 to get my full card every day! Check my Action profile on the Action app @cmarchio. Picks are always FREE.

Last Month in CBB: 44-47 (-6.27 Units)

Thursday’s Card: 2-4 (-1.45u)

#18 Purdue vs Illinois Odds

Can Illinois knock off #18 Purdue at home tonight?

BetOdds are courtesy of BetOnline, a longtime fixture among the top online sports betting sites. Check out our BetOnline sportsbook review, then bag a big bonus (100% if your first deposit is with Bitcoin, Ethereum, or another cryptocurrency) to bet on College Basketball games.

Spread

Purdue: +4.5 (-118)

Illinois: -4.5 (-102)

Total

Over: 159.5 (-115)

Under: 159.5 (-105)

Moneyline

Purdue:+165

Illinois: -190

#18 Purdue vs Illinois Best Bet

Game of the night!

The Fighting Illini look to extend their win streak as they take on the Boilermakers, who are coming off a 100-point performance at home against the Scarlet Knights. That showing was far from impressive, given that Rutgers does not play a lick of defense. Now, Purdue must travel to Champaign, where they will face a legitimate defense. No. 18 Purdue has struggled on the road, and I expect them to falter against Illinois tonight.

Illinois’ defense is as advertised—ranked ninth in the country when playing at home. Haslametrics ranks Illinois as the 96th-best team in their home gym, while Purdue is the seventh-worst team away from home. The Illini complement their defense with an offense that thrives on second-chance points, efficient inside scoring, and a top-75 ranking in free throw percentage.

Since overcoming the illness that ran through their team, Illinois has looked refreshed and back to their late-December, early-January form. This is one of the most dangerous teams to face on their home floor.

On the road, Purdue has struggled with shot-blocking, interior defense, and keeping opponents off the free throw line—all ranking in the bottom four of the conference. They prefer a slower-paced game, while Illinois will look to push the tempo to breakneck speed. Purdue will not be able to keep up in a shootout on the road, which is why I am all over the home team in this matchup. The Fighting Illini want to enter the Big Ten Tournament as hot as possible, and tonight is a crucial step in that direction.