The Illinois Fighting Illini are surging with nine straight wins, the latest of which came against Purdue over the weekend. I expect them to continue rolling this evening with a strong rebounding performance that negates Hannes Steinbach on the other end.
I break it all down in my Washington vs. Illinois predictions and free college basketball picks for Thursday, January 29.
Washington vs Illinois prediction
Washington vs Illinois best bet: Hannes Steinbach Under 10.5 rebounds (-125)
I can’t make much sense of this number for Steinbach, as I projected him right around 9 rebounds. Because of that, I’ll be fading him on the backboard for tonight’s best bet.
Illinois controls the glass on both ends, and that’s the prevailing theme of this play. On one end, Illinois doesn’t simply control things; it is one of the best in the country, ranking 4th nationally in offensive rebounding percentage.
The pace factor is a story here, too. Illinois plays methodically (11.7 turnover rate, 31st nationally) and grinds possessions, which reduces total shot attempts and, in turn, total rebounding opportunities. I have Illinois quite highly regarded in my “pace control” rankings, meaning it’s unlikely that the Huskers will be able to impose their high up-tempo style against Illinois.
Steinbach's individual rebounding rates have been good this season, but he’s fighting an uphill battle. The Illinois shot profile doesn't create easy boards: they shoot 58.4% on twos and 50.2% from three, resulting in fewer overall misses. The matchup also matters. The Illini frontcourt, with Tomislav Ivisic and the physical Ben Humrichous, will contest Steinbach on the glass. Ivisic's 14.9 defensive rebounding and length should limit easy boards for the Washington freshman.
With fewer possessions, elite opposing offensive rebounding, and Illinois's shooting efficiency reducing miss volume, Steinbach staying under 10.5 is the right side.
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Washington vs Illinois same-game parlay
One of the few clear points of attack for either team is highlighted here. Tomislav Ivisic is one of the primary options for Illinois on big cut and rolls, scoring a highly efficient 1.69 points per possession on such sets. I expect the Illini to go to this aspect of their offense more often than not because Washington has struggled defensively against these sets so often.
I paired this prop with the Under. It provides a nice non-correlated boost with neither offense having many clear paths of scoring outside the aforementioned one above. A slower tempo will help things, too.
Washington vs Illinois SGP
- Steinbach Under 10.5 rebounds
- Ivisic Over 10.5 points
- Under 152.5
Our beyond the arc SGP: Illini control Huskies
Keeping with the theme of our same-game parlay, the analysis of this one is simple. Diallo has been overly reliant all season on mid-range scoring, and Illinois has consistently taken this away at an elite clip.
Washington vs Illinois SGP
- Steinbach Under 10.5 rebounds
- Ivisic Over 10.5 points
- Under 152.5
- Diallo Under 14.5 points
Washington vs Illinois odds
- Spread: Washington +13.5 | Illinois -13.5
- Moneyline: Washington +650 | Illinois -1000
- Over/Under: Over 153.5 | Under 153.5
Washington vs Illinois betting trend to know
Illinois has hit the 1H Moneyline in 16 of their last 21 games at home (+11.05 Units / 1% ROI). Find more college basketball betting trends for Washington vs. Illinois.
How to watch Washington vs Illinois
| Location | State Farm Center, Champaign, IL |
| Date | Thursday, January 29, 2026 |
| Tip-off | 9:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | FS1 |
Washington vs Illinois key injuries
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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