Southern at Illinois Predictions, Picks, Odds, and Line Movement for December 29 2025
Southern vs Illinois picks take center stage in this Monday afternoon non-conference matchup, and I am breaking it down from a betting perspective for those searching for value in college basketball picks as Illinois hosts Southern at State Farm Center.
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Quick Picks and Prediction
- Spread: Southern +30.5
- Total: Under 164.5
- Projected Final Score: Illinois 92, Southern 64
Odds and Line Movement
Opening Odds
| # | Handicapper | Profit |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |  The Insiders Room | +1,793.00 |
| 2 |  Tony Karpinski | +1,731.00 |
| 3 |  Jesse Schule | +1,599.00 |
| 4 |  Rob Vinciletti | +1,284.00 |
| 5 |  David Delano | +1,232.00 |
| Team | Spread |
|---|---|
| Southern | +31.5 (-110) |
| Illinois | -31.5 (-110) |
| Bet | Total |
|---|---|
| Over | 162.5 (-115) |
| Under | 162.5 (-105) |
Current Odds
| Team | Spread |
|---|---|
| Southern | +30.5 (-110) |
| Illinois | -30.5 (-110) |
| Bet | Total |
|---|---|
| Over | 164.5 (-110) |
| Under | 164.5 (-110) |
Line Movement - Spread
| Date | Southern | Illinois |
|---|---|---|
| 12/29 | +30.5 (-110) | -30.5 (-110) |
| 12/28 | +31.5 (-110) | -31.5 (-110) |
Line Movement - Total
| Date | Over | Under |
|---|---|---|
| 12/29 | 164.5 (-110) | 164.5 (-110) |
| 12/28 | 162.5 (-115) | 162.5 (-105) |
Key Matchups and Handicap
Illinois hosts Southern on Monday, December 29 at State Farm Center, and the betting market has this lined as a significant mismatch. Illinois has played like a top-25 offense through the first portion of the season, averaging 88.1 points per game while allowing 69.6, and the Illini have consistently dictated tempo at home.
Southern brings an aggressive and volatile profile. The Jaguars are scoring 85.3 points per game, but that production has come with defensive issues, as they are allowing 82.6 points per contest. Southern thrives on chaos, averaging 10.3 steals per game, but that aggression also leads to mistakes, with 13.5 turnovers per game on offense.
Stylistically, this matchup favors Illinois. The Illini shoot 48.1 percent from the field, dominate the glass with a +10.8 rebounding margin, and average 41.8 rebounds per game. That combination should limit Southern’s second-chance opportunities and shorten possessions as the game progresses. While Illinois can score in bunches, blowout scripts often slow late, particularly if the home team leans on depth and clock control.
Betting Trends (SOU vs ILL)
- Illinois is averaging 88.1 points per game through 12 contests.
- Southern allows 82.6 points per game defensively.
- Southern commits 13.5 turnovers per game.
- The total has climbed from the low 160s into the mid-160s.
Key Injuries and Notes (SOU vs ILL)
- Illinois forward Ty Rodgers is out for the season and will redshirt.
- Southern enters the matchup without a notable injury report.
ATS and Total Picks
- Against the Spread: Southern +30.5
- Total: Under 164.5
Final Score Prediction
Illinois should control this game wire to wire, but the pace and rotation patterns point toward a slower finish than the total suggests.
Final Score: Illinois 92, Southern 64
How to Bet
This matchup is best approached by isolating game script. I am backing Southern to stay inside a massive number and pairing it with the under. Make sure to shop prices using available sportsbook promo codes, compare lines at the best sportsbooks, or explore alternative options through social sportsbooks. You can also take advantage of offers like the bet365 bonus code and the fliff promo code to maximize value.
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