- Matchup: Illinois Fighting Illini vs Ohio State Buckeyes
- Date: Tuesday, December 9, 2025
- Venue: Value City Arena, Columbus, OH
- Broadcast: ESPN+
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The Ohio State Buckeyes (7-1) are set to face off against the Illinois Fighting Illini (7-2) at Value City Arena this Tuesday.
In their most recent match, the Illinois Fighting Illini secured a victory against Tennessee, winning 75-62. Illinois showcased a solid performance with a 48.3% shooting accuracy (28 of 58) and converted 11 out of 28 attempts from three-point range. At the free-throw line, the Fighting Illini hit 8 of 14 shots, achieving a 57.1% rate. They also dominated the boards with a total of 30 rebounds, 10 of which were offensive. In addition, they recorded 14 assists and forced their opponents into 12 turnovers while securing 5 steals. Defensively, Illinois allowed Tennessee to shoot 36.9% with 24 of 65 attempts, while Tennessee managed 14 assists and 4 steals during the game. Tennessee dominated the rebounding battle with 44 total rebounds (22 offensive and 22 defensive) but failed to make any blocks. At the free-throw line, Tennessee struggled, making only 8 of 18 attempts (44.4%), and they converted 6 out of 20 long-range attempts. The foul count showed Illinois with 14 and Tennessee with 18.
Key player Keaton Wagler was instrumental in this game, achieving a shooting precision of 38.5% from the field while recording 5 assists. He logged 34 minutes on the court, collected 8 rebounds, and scored a total of 16 points on 5 of 13 shooting.
The Fighting Illini come into this contest with a record of 7-2 for the season. They average 9.8 turnovers and 13.6 fouls per game. As a team, they secure 43.0 rebounds and have recorded 128 assists this season, ranking 244th nationally for assists per game. Illinois shoots 33.2% from beyond the arc (87 of 262) and boasts a 77.0% success rate at the charity stripe. On average, they score 88.7 points per game, placing them 26th in Division 1 basketball, while shooting 48.1% from the field.
On the defensive side, Illinois compels opponents to make 9.3 turnovers per game and draws 20.3 fouls. Their three-point defense allows just 31.9% shooting, and they rank 100th nationally for points allowed per game (69.3). The Fighting Illini’s defense concedes a field-goal percentage of 39.9% (235 of 589) and allows 32.2 rebounds per game, ranking 111th overall for assists surrendered, totaling 113 this season.
In their last outing, the Ohio State Buckeyes emerged victorious with a score of 86-82 against Northwestern. They logged 19 defensive rebounds and 8 offensive rebounds, accumulating 27 total rebounds. Ohio State had 10 turnovers but secured 5 steals. Northwestern committed 20 fouls, resulting in 20 free-throw attempts for the Buckeyes, who converted 12 for a percentage of 60.0%. From beyond the arc, Ohio State made 4 of 14 attempts (28.6%). Overall, they finished the game shooting 35 of 61 from the field, achieving a shooting percentage of 57.4%. Defensively, Ohio State permitted Northwestern to shoot 29 of 61 attempts (47.5%), while Northwestern made 33.3% of their three-point attempts, converting 8 of 24 tries. At the free-throw line, Ohio State was successful on 16 of 18 attempts (88.9%), but they gave up 30 rebounds to Northwestern (11 of which were offensive).
Brandon Noel was a standout player for Ohio State in this matchup, contributing 29 points in 35 minutes of play, along with 1 assist. He achieved an impressive shooting percentage of 86.7%, making 13 of 15 attempts, while also grabbing 7 boards.
Ohio State carries a 7-1 record this season. They commit an average of 16.3 fouls per game and excel at the free-throw line with a shooting percentage of 77.8%. Their assist rate stands at 17.6 per game, positioning them 44th in the nation, with 11.8 turnovers each game. So far, Ohio State has scored a total of 707 points (88.4 points per game) while averaging 37.6 rebounds per game. Offensively, they are potent, with a shooting accuracy of 53.0%, ranked 4th in college basketball.
Defensively, Ohio State allows opponents to shoot 26.8% from three-point territory (52 of 194), and they have conceded 67.4% shooting from the free-throw line. They allow an average of 12.1 assists and 29.3 rebounds per game, ranking 105th and 9th in college basketball, respectively. Ohio State is ranked 94th in Division 1 for points allowed per game, at 69.1. They force an average of 12.0 turnovers and allow teams to shoot 41.8% from the field, ranking 117th overall.
Which team will triumph in this NCAA matchup?
Prediction: Bet on Ohio State!
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