UConn and Illinois last played in an NCAA Tournament game nearly two years ago that featured one of the most impressive stretches of basketball I’ve ever seen (a 30-0 run for UConn), and now they’ll face off again today.
While the stakes for this matchup are much different, both of these one-loss teams have title aspirations this year, which should make this another fun one.
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My Illinois vs. UConn predictions and college basketball picks for Friday, November 28 tell you why points will be precious here.
Illinois vs UConn prediction
Illinois vs UConn best bet: Under 154 (-110)
This number looks a little rich for a game that should be played much more on the UConn Huskies‘ terms than those of the Illinois Fighting Illini.
The Illini want to run and live in transition and scramble situations, where they’re elite. Huskies head coach Dan Hurley knows this and will be focused on keeping this game more in the halfcourt.
The Huskies have been elite at that this season, holding opponents to one of the lowest transition frequencies in the country.
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On the other end, UConn’s offense is efficient but methodical. They’re happy to grind through big-on-big actions and cuts rather than jacking early-clock threes.
They’ll arrive at this game with an average possession length of over 17 seconds for a season. That dovetails with Illinois’ profile: the Illini don’t force turnovers and are quietly solid in most half-court coverages, so possessions should be long and shot quality decent but not explosive.
The Illini average just over 70 possessions per game, but UConn sits at 67. In a Top-10 clash where every trip is magnified, it’s far more likely Hurley’s pace wins out, especially when you consider some of the reasons listed above.
With a mid-to-upper-60s possession expectation and both defenses built to take away first options, I project this closer to the high-140s. I’ll ride Under 154 as the best bet.
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Illinois vs UConn same-game parlay
Given that I expect the Huskies to control the pace of this matchup, I also expect them to win the game. I think they are a more complete team when the game is played in the halfcourt, and that’s what I expect to see.
Illinois vs UConn SGP
Illinois vs UConn odds
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Spread: Illinois +3.5 | UConn -3.5
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Moneyline: Illinois +145 | UConn -175
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Over/Under: Over 151.5 | Under 151.5
Illinois vs UConn betting trend to know
Illinois has hit the 1H Moneyline in 24 of their last 35 games. Find more college basketball betting trends for Illinois vs. UConn.
How to watch Illinois vs UConn
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Location |
Madison Square Garden, New York, NY |
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Date |
Friday, November 28, 2025 |
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Tip-off |
12:30 p.m. ET |
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TV |
FOX |
Illinois vs UConn key injuries
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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