UConn vs Illinois Best Bets, Picks, Predictions & Odds (Nov 28)

Published: November 28, 2025 at 10:15 am EST

Nov 23, 2025; Hartford, Connecticut, USA; UConn Huskies forward Jayden Ross (23) reacts after a basket against the Bryant Bulldogs in the first half at Peoples Bank Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images

The 5-1 UConn Huskies are favored by 3.5 points over the 6-1 Illinois Fighting Illini at MSG
The game total dropped from 155.5 to 151.5, creating a prime opportunity to bet the over
See my UConn vs Illinois picks, predictions, and best bets, plus the latest odds and betting splits

A marquee non-conference clash is set for the World’s Most Famous Arena as the UConn Huskies (5-1, ATS, O/U) take on the Illinois Fighting Illini (6-1, ATS, O/U) at MSG in New York at 12:30 pm ET with a national broadcast on FOX.

Illinois has one more win and has played a slightly tougher schedule but the Huskies are rated two spots higher at KenPom and enter Friday as modest betting favorites in the UConn vs Illinois odds.

UConn vs Illinois Odds

The Illinois/UConn spread ranges from 2.5 to 3.5. The best ATS price on the Huskies is -2.5 (-110) at Caesars while the best ATS price on the Illini is +3.5 (-105) at FanDuel. The line opened with the Huskies as a slim 1.5-point favorite.

On the moneyline, the best UConn price is -165 at bet365. The longest odds on an Illinois win are +148 at Caesars.

The game total still ranges from 150.5 (-110) at BetRivers and 151.5 (-110) at FanDuel, way down from the opening number of 155.5.

Odds commentary as of 10:02 am ET. The lines in the table will update automatically with the best-available price for each market if the lines before tip-off.

UConn vs Illinois Picks, Prediction & Best Bets

ATS Pick: UConn -3.5 (-112) at DraftKings

UConn’s offense is a multi-headed monster. Alex Karaban is averaging 14.3 points per game and lethal 50% shooting from beyond the arc, but it’s the emergence of Tarris Reed Jr that has been a game-changer. In just three games, the senior center is averaging a staggering 20.0 points and 9.3 rebounds on an absurdly efficient 74.2% shooting clip. Add in floor general Silas Demary Jr (12.5 PPG, 6.3 APG), who directs the offense with an elite 4.22 assist-to-turnover ratio and ranks 18th nationally in assists per game, and you have a team with too many weapons.

Illinois counters with volume scorer Andrej Stojakovic (18.5 PPG) and the steady hand of Kylan Boswell (16.1 PPG), but UConn’s depth and efficiency should be the difference-maker. The Huskies are allowing just 61.3 points per game compared to Illinois’ 69.7, while maintaining superior ball control with an assist-to-turnover ratio of 2.16 versus Illinois’ 1.46. They’ll find a way to win by at least two possessions in what should be an electric atmosphere.

Game-Total Best Bet: Over 150.5 Total Points (-122) at BetRivers

The total for this game has seen significant movement, opening at 155.5 and plummeting as many as five full points to 150.5. This presents a prime opportunity to buy low and take the over. Both offenses have proven they can score in bunches. Illinois features four players averaging over 15 points per game: Stojakovic (18.5), Boswell (16.1), Keaton Wagler (15.0), and David Mirkovic (15.1).

UConn is just as potent, with Karaban, Reed Jr, Demary Jr, and Solo Ball (14.2 PPG) all capable of filling it up. The individual team totals set by the books also point toward an over, with UConn projected at 78.5 and Illinois at 74.5, for a combined total of 153. While big non-conference games can sometimes start slow, the sheer volume of offensive talent on the floor is too much to ignore.

UConn vs Illinois Public-Betting Splits: Sharp Money on Huskies

Market	UConn	Illinois
Spread	68% bets, 61% handle	32% bets, 39% handle
Moneyline	89% bets, 90% handle	11% bets, 10% handle
Total	Ov: 55% bets, 55% handle	Un: 45% bets, 45% handle

The college basketball public betting splits show a firm stance on this marquee matchup, overwhelmingly siding with UConn. An analysis of the splits shows heavy action on UConn, both to win outright and to cover the spread.

Moneyline: The Huskies are attracting a staggering 89% of all moneyline bets. More importantly, they account for an even more dominant 90% of the money wagered, indicating that larger, sharper wagers are backing UConn to win.

Spread: The public’s faith in the Huskies extends to the point spread. A healthy majority of bettors (68%) are laying the points with UConn, along with 61% of ATS handle.

Total: The over/under is seeing more balanced action, but there’s a clear preference for points. The Over is drawing 55% of the bets and 55% of the money, suggesting a public lean towards a high-scoring game.

UConn vs IILL Statistical Breakdown

Metric	UConn Huskies	Illinois Fighting Illini
RPI Ranking	23	62
Strength of Schedule	0.613	0.523
Record vs. Top 25	1-1	0-1
Points Per Game	83.8	94.6
Points Allowed Per Game	61.3	69.7
Point Differential	+22.5	+24.9
Rebounds Per Game	32.8	42.7
Assists Per Game	18.3	14.9
Turnovers Per Game	8.5	10.1
Assist/Turnover Ratio	2.16	1.46

The most glaring statistical mismatch lies in ball control and offensive execution. The Huskies are a masterclass in efficiency, boasting a phenomenal 2.16 assist-to-turnover ratio that dwarfs Illinois’ respectable 1.46 mark. They generate more assists (18.3 APG) while committing fewer turnovers (8.5 TOPG). This is orchestrated by point guard Silas Demary Jr., whose 6.3 assists per game ranks 18th nationally and is complemented by an elite 4.22 assist-to-turnover ratio.

Sascha Paruk

Managing Editor

Sascha has been working in the sports-betting industry since 2014, and quickly paired his strong writing skills with a burgeoning knowledge of probability and statistics. He holds an undergraduate degree in linguistics and a Juris Doctor from the University of British Columbia.

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