We’ve got a solid matchup on Tuesday night for the Jimmy V Classic at Madison Square Garden. #17 Illinois (6-2) will look for an early season statement win over #2 Texas (6-0) while the Longhorns will try to prove they are a legitimate National Championship contender. The offshore sportsbooks have Texas as a slight favorite in this neutral site game.
Before Betting on Illinois vs Texas
You have to give both of these teams credit, they haven’t shied away from competition early in this 2022/23 season. Both of Illinois’ losses have come against ranked teams, 70-61 in Las Vegas to Virginia (who has climbed to #3 in the rankings) and most recently on the road Friday night falling 71-66 to current #13 Maryland.
Texas has played good teams in beating then #2 Gonzaga 93-74 and most recently with a 72-67 win over then #7 Creighton last Thursday. Both of those wins were at home at the Moody Center though, and Texas has played only one game away from their home court this season a 73-48 win over Northern Arizona in a Leon Black Classic game – which was also in Texas (Edinburgh). The Longhorns have an adjusted strength of schedule rating in the 300s, so Tuesday is a definite prove it game.
Maybe they haven’t challenged themselves much outside the state of Texas as some other teams have done this season, but you can’t deny that the Longhorns are still playing great defense right now. Texas ranks 9th in the country giving up just 55.2 ppg and Illinois struggled down the stretch Friday once Maryland amped up their defense.
Fighting Illini vs Longhorns NCAAB Offshore Betting Odds
| Offshore Sportsbook | Moneyline | Total | Spread |
|---|---|---|---|
| BetOnline | Illinois (2.25) | Texas (1.69) | 142 | Illinois +2.5 (1.99) | Texas -2.5 (1.84) |
| Bovada | Illinois (2.30) | Texas (1.66) | 141.5 | Illinois +3 (1.91) | Texas 3 (1.91) |
| BetUS | Illinois (2.25) | Texas (1.69) | 142 | Illinois +2.5 (1.91) | Texas -2.5 (1.91) |
| SportsBetting.ag | Illinois (2.25) | Texas (1.69) | 142 | Illinois +2.5 (1.99) | Texas -2.5 (1.84) |
| Pinnacle | Illinois (2.16) | Texas (1.73) | 142 | Illinois +2.5 (1.91) | Texas -2.5 (1.91) |
| MyBookie | Illinois (2.21) | Texas (1.67) | 140 | Illinois +2.5 (1.91) | Texas -2.5 (1.91) |
Illinois vs Texas Prediction & Pick
Illinois looks like one of those teams that can beat anybody – or lose to any team – on any given night. Granted this game is the first time Texas is playing out of their home state this season, but they play a stifling defense and that travels. The Fighting Illini having to deal with the Longhorns pressure while also shooting at an unfamiliar neutral court gives Texas the low scoring win.
