Illinois Fighting Illini vs. Michigan State Spartans 1/19/25 – The college basketball puzzle has a piece which promises to be intriguing, and that is the bout between Illinois Fighting Illini (13-4) and Michigan State Spartans (15-2). This bout is scheduled for Sunday and since both teams have put on decent performances this season, the match is expected to be highly competitive and fierce. The game will be held at Jack Breslin Student Events Center with the tip student expected to take place at 12:00 PM ET, while the event will be aired live on CBS.
Illinois Fighting Illini vs. Michigan State Spartans 1/19/25
| When: | Sunday, January 19, 2025 at 12:00 PM ET |
|---|---|
| Where: | Jack Breslin Student Events Center |
| TV: | CBS |
| Stream: | SofaScore |
| Team | SP/RL | TOTAL | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fighting Illini | +4 (-110) | Over 154.5 (-110) | +135 |  |
| Spartans | -4 (-110) | Over 154.5 (-110) | -162 | |
| ||||
Time for a Top 20 Big Ten showdown.
📅 Jan. 19
🆚 No. 12 Michigan State
⏰ 11 a.m. CT
📍 East Lansing, Mich.
📺 CBS pic.twitter.com/iq8eXRiwA7— Illinois Men's Basketball (@IlliniMBB) January 18, 2025
As things stand, the Spartans have a -4 spread in their favor; this betting line suggests Illinois’ recent 15-2 record is weighing heavily on Illinois’ performance as they enter the game. The total mark in an over/under is set at 154.5 which indicates that most anticipate a high-scoring match; this is a trend when these two teams are involved, particularly when Illinois is the traveling team.
Kasparas Jakucionis (Guard) vs. Jaden Akins (Guard)
Kasparas Jakucionis this season has been the most valuable player for Illinois as he has been scoring an average of 16.7 along with 5.4 rebounds and assists. His remarkable 50% shooting from the field and 41.6% three-point shooting makes him a crucial part of the offense. Jakucionis’ varied talent and performance under pressure will be a great weapon against Michigan State’s defense.
On the Spartans side, Jaden Akins has decent numbers going into the match as he averages 14.2 points with 45.1% accuracy. He also does exceptionally well at the free throw line at 88.9% and handles the ball well with 1.2 turnovers per game which demonstrates the efficiency of his play. Especially Akins, when performing in decisive moments could help Michigan State to win.
The matchup between Jakucionis and Akins has proven to be entertaining since both guards are capable of being the primary scorers and playmakers for their team’s offenses. The individual match-up, especially between the two guards, could determine the pace of the game and the final result, with both trying to take advantage of each other’s defensive weaknesses.
Fighting Illini: A Scoring Juggernaut
Illinois appears very lively as they have average of 87.3 points per game. Their latest games, including the splendid 94-69 win over Indiana and the close 72-82 loss against USC, emphasize both their attacking strength and fighting spirit. Their field goal and free throw percentages are indicative of a high-scoring trimming that makes good use of the opportunities provided.
Spartan Strengths: Consistency and Defense
Michigan State not only flourishes in scoring with their average of 81.8 points per game but also showcases a great defensive game, which is evident in their recent matches against Penn State (90 to 85) and Northwestern (78 to 68). They have a great defensive style of game which combines well with their increased free throw percentage of 81.6 and their better defensive rebounding.
Trends
Illinois Fighting Illini Betting Trends
Illinois are 4-2 ATS in their last 6 games.
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Illinois’ last 7 games.
Illinois are 6-1 SU in their last 7 games.
Illinois are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games against Michigan State.
The total has gone OVER in 12 of Illinois’ last 14 games on the road.
Michigan State Spartans Betting Trends
Michigan State are 8-2 ATS in their last 10 games.
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Michigan State’s last 6 games.
Michigan State are 10-0 SU in their last 10 games.
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Michigan State’s last 6 games against Illinois.
Michigan State are 5-0 SU in their last 5 games at home.
Illinois Fighting Illini vs. Michigan State Spartans Betting Prediction
When it comes to trends and data, the smart money probably would like Michigan State to cover the spread in their home games which they seem to be unbeaten in lately. But considering the fact that Illinois has a very excellent offensive play, one is better off putting the total OVER 154.5. This game has the potential of going either way depending on the performance of key players so it will be a close contest.
Summing up, while Michigan State appears to be the most risk-averse choice to make, particularly given their performance in home games and at ATS, the office of Illinois plus their recent exploits against the Spartans makes them a very good underdog. Player point prop bets could be quite interesting because of the offensive strength both Jakucionis and Akins bring to the table.
Score Prediction: Michigan State 82, Illinois 78
