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2013 College Basketball Ohio State vs. Illinois Picks & Predictions
By Anthony Rome 

CHAMPAIGN, IL (The Spread) – A pair of ranked, Big Ten rivals clash at Assembly Hall when No. 8 Ohio State takes on No. 11 Illinois at 2:15PM ET. Will the two teams shoot the lights out today?

ODDS: Oddsmakers from online sports book Bovada.lv have installed Ohio State as a 4-point favorite versus Illinois, while the over/under total is currently sitting at 142 points. The Buckeyes enter the game with an 11-2 overall record while the Fighting Illini are 13-2.

LINE MOVEMENT: The Illini opened as a 3.5-point favorite but the line has been bet up to 4 at most sports books. As for the total, it's stayed steady at 142.

PUBLIC BETTING: Of the wagers placed on tonight’s game, 54% of college basketball public bettors currently favor the Buckeyes. This information is subject to change, however, so make sure you click on the link provided for the most up-to-date public betting numbers.

NCAA FREE PICK: Take the over. According to latest college basketball trends, the over is 5-0 in the last five meetings between these two teams. It's also 6-2 in the Buckeyes' last eight Saturday games, 6-2 in their last eight Big Ten games and 16-6 in their last 22 games overall. The over is also 5-2 in the Fighting Illini's last seven home games, 23-9 in their last 32 Saturday games and 5-1 in their last six games following an ATS loss. Illinois has made 10 or more 3-point baskets nine times this season and Ohio State forward Deshaun Thomas has scored in double digits in all 13 games while posting six 20-point outings. This game should clear the over.

SATURDAY COLLEGE BASKETBALL FREE PICK: OHIO STATE/ILLINOIS OVER 142

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