Purdue vs Illinois: Expert College Basketball Picks For March 7, 2025

Purdue and Illinois clash in a Big Ten matchup on Friday night in college basketball. Get college basketball picks for today around Purdue vs Illinois battling in a conference showdown in Champaign, IL!

Here’s a breakdown of predictions and picks for this Big Ten matchup tipping off at 8:00PM ET on March 7, 2025!

Purdue vs Illinois Game Details

Date: Friday, March 7, 2025
Time: 8:00 PM ET / 5:00 PM PT
Broadcast: FOX
Location: State Farm Center in Champaign, IL
Spread: Illinois -4.5 | Total: 159.5

Purdue vs Illinois Betting Preview

After Illinois suffered its worst defeat in school history to Duke last month, Illini head coach Brad Underwood said, “Just keep shooting.” So far, that strategy has worked.

Illinois has recorded back-to-back 20-point wins over Iowa and Michigan. In Sunday’s 93-73 road win in Ann Arbor, the Illini made 14 three-pointers.

Purdue has won each of the last five meetings in this Big Ten battle, with four of those five games going over the total. Coach Underwood gave his team the green light to continue shooting from three-point range, but in this matchup against the Boilermakers, they might not need to.

Over the last two months, Purdue’s two-point defense is dead-last in the country. Conference opponents are shooting 58.5-percent from two-point range against Purdue, which is 7.5-percent above the national average.

After a four-game losing streak, Purdue has gotten the train back on the tracks with back-to-back home wins over UCLA and Rutgers.

This is the final game of the regular season and Illinois obviously wants to earn a win on its home court, but the Illini have very little at-stake in this contest.

Purdue needs a win to stay in the mix for a top-4 seed and double-bye in the Big Ten Tournament. Illinois is already locked into its slot with no real pressure in this contest. 

Purdue vs Illinois Predictions

During Purdue’s four-game losing streak, the Boilermakers were struggling with turnovers. Illinois’ defense is bottom-15 in the country in forcing turnovers, so Purdue’s offense should be comfortable in this matchup (as evident by their five-straight wins).

The over is 8-3 in Purdue’s last 11 games. The over is 5-2 in Illinois’ last seven home games. We’re anticipating an entertaining affair in Champaign on Friday night.

Purdue vs Illinois Prediction: Over 159.5

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