A tasty Big Ten matchup awaits when the UCLA Bruins meet the Illinois Fighting Illini.
My UCLA vs. Illinois predictions anticipate a big game from Bruins forward Tyler Bilodeau, who looks to keep the good times rolling for his squad.
Read why in my college basketball picks for February 11.
UCLA vs Illinois prediction
My best bet
Tyler Bilodeau Over 12.5 points (-115 at bet365)
My analysis
A trend has followed UCLA, almost directly correlating with its win streak. The Bruins have faced either below-average or downright poor big-cutting defenses, and Tyler Bilodeau has thrived.
From a points-per-possession perspective, their opponents have allowed the following when facing such sets (excluding Washington due to Tyler Bilodeau leaving the game after three minutes with injury):
- Penn State, .96
- Michigan State, .98
- Oregon, .99
- Wisconsin, .98
- Iowa, 1.08
If you throw out the Penn State game because it was a blowout and had a low minutes total, you’ll see Tyler Bilodeau has been highly efficient in these games. You’ll also see his 18 points against Iowa were the highest output of any of these games, and that just happens to be the worst big-cutting defense by the numbers.
Tonight, he faces the second worst of that group and the first he’s faced, allowing over a point per possession since Iowa. I like Bilodeau to come up big tonight, and that’s a pretty simple reason.
He’s been a catalyst for this UCLA win streak, and because of that, his usage continues to increase. Tonight’s play is a culmination of attacking the value of that increased usage and a strong matchup.
UCLA vs Illinois same-game parlay (SGP)
Tyler Bilodeau Over 12.5 points
Illinois moneyline
While I didn’t see much value in the spread, I do like the value of pairing the Illini ML to win the game in a non-correlated parlay. It’s tough to ignore the situational spot in favor of Illinois, but it’s even more challenging to ignore UCLA’s eastern trip troubles.
As mentioned, UCLA’s winning streak has directly followed it not taking a trip east; the last time it did was the last time it lost (at Rutgers). I’m not sure that’s a coincidence, but there are a few notable offensive advantages for Illinois here that outsize the lone one for UCLA.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
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UCLA vs Illinois odds
UCLA vs Illinois live odds
UCLA vs Illinois opening odds
- Spread: UCLA +6 | Illinois -6
- Moneyline: UCLA +205 | Illinois -250
- Over/Under: Over 150 | Under 150
Odds courtesy of bet365
UCLA vs Illinois betting trend to know
Illinois has hit the first-half moneyline in 29 of their last 38 games (+15.90 Units / 4% ROI). Find more college basketball betting trends for UCLA vs. Illinois.
How to watch UCLA vs Illinois
| Location | State Farm Center, Champaign, IL |
| Date | Tuesday, 2-11-2025 |
| Tip-off | 9:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | Peacock |
UCLA vs Illinois key injuries
Not intended for use in MA.
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