<p>The Rutgers Scarlet Knights are set to play against the Illinois Fighting Illini on Thursday, January 8, 2026. The game will take place at the State Farm Center in Champaign, Illinois, as part of a Big Ten conference matchup. Illinois is the favorite, with a spread of -21.5, while Rutgers is the underdog with a spread of +21.5.</p> <p>Rutgers enters the game with an 8-7 record for the season, struggling with a 0-4 record in away games. On the other hand, Illinois holds an impressive 11-3 record and is ranked 16th in the AP poll. The game will be broadcast on BTN, giving fans an opportunity to watch both teams compete on the court.</p> <h2>Rutgers Scarlet Knights vs Illinois Fighting Illini Game Day Info</h2> <ul><li>Sport: College Basketball</li><li>Teams: Rutgers Scarlet Knights vs Illinois Fighting Illini</li><li>Venue: State Farm Center, Champaign IL</li><li>Date: Thursday, January 8, 2026 at 8:30 PM ET</li><li>Betting Odds:         <ul><li>Rutgers Spread: +21.5 (-112)</li><li>Illinois Spread: -21.5 (-113)</li><li>Rutgers MoneyLine: +2000</li><li>Illinois MoneyLine: -8000</li><li>Over/Under: 146.5 (-113)</li></ul></li></ul> <h2>Rutgers Scarlet Knights Team Preview</h2> <p>The Rutgers Scarlet Knights have a mixed record this season. They are 8-7 overall, with a strong performance at home (8-3) but struggling on the road (0-4). In their last three games, they have a 2-1 record, showing some improvement.</p> <p>Offensively, the Scarlet Knights average 70.3 points per game. They have been efficient at the free throw line, making 72.7% of their attempts. However, their field goal percentage stands at 40.6%, placing them low in national rankings.</p> <p>Tariq Francis is a standout player for Rutgers, averaging 14.9 points per game. Dylan Grant also contributes significantly with 13.8 points and 5.5 rebounds per game. Jamichael Davis adds 8.1 points per game, providing depth to the team’s scoring options.</p> <h2>Illinois Fighting Illini Team Preview</h2> <p>The Illinois Fighting Illini have had a strong run in their recent games. They won their last three games, including a victory over Penn State with a score of 73-65. Key players like Keaton Wagler and David Mirkovic have shown solid performances, contributing significantly in points and rebounds.</p> <p>Illinois ranks 16th in the AP poll and competes in the Big Ten Conference. They have an overall season record of 11-3, with a strong home record of 7-2. The team averages 87.1 points per game, placing them 34th in scoring across the nation.</p> <p>In the betting trends, Illinois is 11-3 straight up this season. They have been strong as favorites, winning 10 of their 12 games in that role. Against the spread, they hold an 8-6 record, showing they often meet expectations set by oddsmakers.</p> <h2>BTB Betting Pick</h2> <p>For the spread pick, Illinois is favored by 21.5 points. With Rutgers struggling offensively, ranking 358th in points per game, Illinois should cover the spread. Their offense scores 87.1 points per game, ranking 34th, which suggests they have the firepower to win by more than 21.5 points.</p> <p>For the over/under pick, the total is set at 146.5 points. Illinois averages 87.1 points per game while Rutgers averages 70.3 points. This projected total of 157.4 points suggests taking the over is the better option. Illinois's strong offense and Rutgers's weak defense support this choice.</p>

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