UConn vs. Illinois Prediction & Odds: College Basketball Betting Preview for Nov. 28

One of the best games of Feast Week was saved for after Thanksgiving, as I break down this matchup of AP-top-13 teams with my UConn vs. Illinois prediction today. Tipoff from Madison Square Garden is set for 12:30 p.m. ET (FOX). 

No. 5 UConn is a 2.5-point neutral site betting favorite in search of its second win against a ranked opponent this year. The Huskies are currently on a four-game winning streak in regular-season non-conference games at MSG, and I expect them to cover against No. 13 Illinois in a building they call “Storrs South.”

✅ UConn vs. Illinois prediction & best bets today

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🏀 UConn vs. Illinois preview & score prediction

UConn is 8-2 in 10 games at Madison Square Garden under head coach Dan Hurley. Meanwhile, Illinois enters this matchup on a four-game losing streak against ranked opponents at neutral sites. Those are key reasons why I am backing the Huskies (-2.5) in this matchup.

Is UConn getting healthy?

Per Jon Rothstein on X, Dan Hurley told reporters that he had all 15 players available for practice the last two days. That includes 2025 McDonald’s All American and 2025 “Mr. Basketball” in Indiana, Braylon Mullins (has not yet suited up this year), and Tarris Reed, who has missed the last two games due to an ankle injury.

Reed’s interior presence was sorely missed in a 4-point loss to Arizona, as the Huskies were bullied on the glass and out-rebounded 43-23.

With predominantly UConn fans in the building, this will be a tough environment for a Fighting Illini team playing just their second game away from home this season. The Illini are 6-0 at State Farm Center, having won all their home games by an average of 30 points.

Caesars is the only top March Madness betting site charging less than -115 at 53.49% implied odds to back the favorites. Through its -110 odds, a $10 winning wager would net $9.09 in profits.

Score prediction: UConn 77, Illinois 73

🆚 UConn vs. Illinois matchup to watch

Illinois offense vs. UConn defense

Illinois opened with seven straight games of at least 80 points for the first time since 1988-89, and is on pace to break the school record for scoring average in a season previously set in 1964-65 (92.2 points per game). 

But UConn’s defense, which ranks in the top 25 in adjusted defensive efficiency, effective field goal percentage, 2-point percentage allowed, 3-point percentage allowed, block rate, and steal rate, should be up for the task.

These two teams have played a combined four ranked teams this season, and all of those games have been decided by four or fewer points. Thus, this wager is a great way to mitigate UConn’s moneyline odds that are as high as -162.

Best prop bet: UConn to win by 1-10 (+155 via FanDuel)

📊 UConn vs. Illinois odds today

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📺 How to watch UConn vs. Illinois today

• Date: Friday, Nov. 28
• Tipoff: 12:30 p.m. ET
• Location: Madison Square Garden (New York City)
• TV: FOX