Purdue vs. Illinois Play – Friday, March 7, 2025

The 18th-ranked Purdue Boilermakers (21-9) take on the Illinois Fighting Illini (19-11) in what should be an intense Big Ten showdown on Friday, March 7 at 8:00 PM ET at the State Farm Center in Champaign, Illinois. MyBookie shows the Fighting Illini favored with a point spread at -4.5 (+100).

Purdue Boilermakers Betting Preview

The Boilermakers have won their last two games and are 2-3 over their last five, which is far from what the expectations have been to start the season when looking at their resume as a whole. Their recent success was a 100-71 blowout over the Rutgers Scarlet Knights.

Purdue had 50 points and allowed 41 in the first half, but performed better on the defensive end in the second to put this game out of reach. Braden Smith led with 23 points and nine assists. Fletcher Loyer also had 23 points, and four players total made it to double figures.

The Scarlet Knights were held to 43.9 percent shooting overall and 32.0 percent from long distance shooting. The Boilermakers could not have had a better shooting display, with 56.1 percent overall and 50.0 percent from deep. They also led with 40 rebounds compared to the Scarlet Knights’ 26.

The Boilermakers are getting 78.2 points per game and are shooting 49.6 percent from the field. On defense, they have allowed opponents to get 70.0 points per game. This ratio is solid, but they must continue to perform well on both ends.

Illinois Fighting Illini Betting Preview

The Fighting Illini have also gone 2-3 in their last five games and are on a two-game win streak. Their previous successful victory was a 93-73 blowout over the Michigan Wolverines, marking their second-consecutive 20-point victory.

Illinois had a one point lead in the first half, but had a strong second half to blow this matchup out of the water. Tre White led with 19 points and 11 assists, as one of four players that reached double figures in scoring.

The Wolverines shot 45.9 percent of their shots, while making just 22.2 percent of their three point buckets. The Fighting Illini connected on 46.6 percent of their shots overall and 37.8 percent from beyond the arc. Illinois also did a great job moving the rock with 20 assists compared to the nine by the Wolverines.

The Fighting Illini are averaging 83.6 points per game and are making 44.9 percent of their shot attempts. On defense, they are giving up 73.3 points a game. This ratio is slightly more appealing in comparison to what the Boilermakers are producing.

Odds, Series Trends, and Free Pick

The best Purdue Boilermakers vs. Illinois Fighting Illini betting odds have been provided by MyBookie. The Fighting Illini have a 59.6 percent chance of winning, according to market analysis. Look for the Boilermakers to keep it close and cover the spread.

Final Pick: Purdue Boilermakers +4.5 (-120)