Illinois Fighting Illini vs Penn State Nittany Lions Betting Trends

The upcoming basketball game on January 3, 2026, features the Illinois Fighting Illini visiting the Penn State Nittany Lions at The Palestra in Philadelphia, PA. This Big Ten Conference matchup promises exciting betting trends and game insights for savvy bettors.

Illinois comes into this game with a strong 3-point shooting percentage of 35.6% and an overall field goal percentage of 48.4%. They average 88.2 points per game while allowing 68.4 points on defense. The Fighting Illini's starting five has shown impressive offensive capabilities and solid defense, making them a formidable opponent. On the other side, Penn State holds a similar 3-point shooting percentage of 35.2% and a field goal percentage of 48.8%. They score slightly less at 79.1 points per game but allow more points defensively at 67.8 per game. Penn State’s home court advantage at The Palestra and their aggressive defensive rating will be key factors.

The point spread is set at Illinois -16.5, indicating the Fighting Illini are favored to win by a substantial margin. The total points line is 156.5, suggesting a moderately high-scoring game. Bettors should note Illinois's better ATS record (8-5) compared to Penn State’s (4-9), which could influence the betting trends. Illinois’s recent dominant wins, including a 90-55 victory over Southern University and an 87-73 win against UT Rio Grande Valley, highlight their current form.

The Illinois Fighting Illini will likely start with key players such as their leading scorers and shooters, while Penn State’s lineup is expected to be healthy, with no significant injuries reported. The Fighting Illini’s ability to shoot from beyond the arc and control the game's pace will be crucial to covering the spread.

For bettors looking to capitalize on these betting trends, understanding the teams' offensive and defensive stats, recent performances, and the odds spread is essential. The Fighting Illini’s strong offensive rating and Penn State’s home advantage make this an intriguing contest. Ready to bet smarter? Start your OddsTrader Turbo subscription now or place your bet with a U.S. regulated sportsbook and profit off the edge.

In their last matchup on January 8, 2025, where Illinois won 91-52, Illinois dominated Penn State on their home court, a performance that sets the stage for this upcoming rematch.

The Illinois Fighting Illini have a strong away record, which you can see on our NCAAB standings page.