Texas Tech vs. Illinois, Picks and Prediction, Tuesday, November 11, 2025
Use Code WWWC If you love offense, you'll enjoy this Texas Tech vs. Illinois prediction. Both teams had two easy wins at home against mid-majors. No. 11 Texas Tech visits No. 14 Illinois from Champaign on Tuesday night at 8:30pmET. The Illini have been scoring points at a record level thus far, scoring 113 points in both games, while the Red Raiders put up 98 points in both games. There should be some points on the board in this matchup. This is just one game, but Winners and Whiners covers nearly every game for seven points, including college basketball picks on Tuesday.
Quick Picks and Prediction on Texas Tech vs. Illinois
If you're in a rush, this is a quick guide to what you're looking for.
- Illinois 108-Texas Tech 94
- Over 161.5
Texas Tech vs. Illinois Odds and Line Movement
- Illinois opened at -4.5 (-115)
- The total opened at 161.5 (-110)
- The Money Line opened at Illinois -235
- Check for the line movement below
(odds from Fan Duel)
Texas Tech vs. Illinois Line Movement
- The Money Line moved from Illinois -235 to Illinois -210
- The Money Line moved from Texas Tech +190 to +172
- The spread stayed the same at Illinois -4.5, but the juice changed (-106 to -115)
Key Matchups for Texas Tech vs. Illinois
Toppin is back for Texas Tech
The Red Raiders were 28-9 last season, and with junior JT Toppin back (18.2ppg, 9.4rpg), expectations are high for Grant McCasland. Toppin was Big 12 Player of the Year, and he sat out the opening game against Lindenwood with a lower-body injury. He made his debut on Friday with 31 points and 14 rebounds against San Houston State (98-77), though they did not cover the 31-point spread.
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It's early, but the biggest contributor other than Toppin has been sophomore guard Christian Anderson, who is averaging 26 points and nine assists. Anderson shot 42% from three-point range as a freshman last season. Senior guard Donvoan Atwell adds 20.5 points and shoots 50% from three-point range in the first two games. Another key player will be junior LeJaun Watts (6-6, 225), a Washington State transfer who averaged 11.6 points in his career with the Cougars. He played in just one game due to an injury and had 11 points and six boards against Sam Houston State.
Illini are flying
The Illini put up 113 points in their wins over Jacksonville State (113-55) on Nov. 3 and Florida Gulf Coast (113-70) on Nov. 7. Guard Kylan Boswell scored a career-high 31 points and grabbed 10 boards to lead Illinois over FGCU, while Keaton Wagler added 22 points and seven boards on 7-of-9 shooting.
Boswell is one of two returning starters from a 22-13 team that finished 12-8 in the Big 10 last season. Boswell and Tomislav Ivisic (13ppg, 7.7rpg last year) lead the returners, which was bolstered by a strong freshman class headed by Wagler, a 6-6, 180-pound point forward. However, Ivisic is out indefinitely after playing just one game. Forward Ben Humrichous (6-9, 220) is another big forward who can shoot. Last year, he averaged 7.6 points and is putting up 15 points and five rebounds per game through two games.
Betting Trends for Texas Tech vs. Illinois
Texas Tech:
- 8-0 Over last 8 games.
- 5-1 Under last 6 vs. Big 10 opponent.
Illinois:
- 7-2 ATS last 9 games.
- 2-5 ATS last 7 vs. Big 12 opponent.
Key Injuries and Analysis for Texas Tech vs. Illinois
Texas Tech:
- F Luke Bamgboye (lower body) is questionable. The VCU transfer has not played this season. He adds size at 6-11,2 200.
- G Leon Horner (lower body ) is questionable. The 6-4 guards scored 10 points in their opener against Lindenwood.
- F Josiah Moseley (lower body) is questionable. The Villanova transfer who played sparingly there last season has yet to play.
Illinois:
- C Tomislav Ivicic (knee) is out indefinitely. He averaged 13 points and 7.7 rebounds last season. He played sparingly in their first game.
- G Ty Rodgers (knee) is out. He averaged 6.2ppg and 5.3 rpg in 2023-24.
Texas Tech vs. Illinois ATS and Over/Under Betting Picks
The Pick and total are available down low in this high-scoring matchup. Both teams are dealing with injuries, including Illinois, but both also have excellent depth.
Texas Tech vs. Illinois Spread
- Illinois -4.5 (4 units)
Total for Texas Tech vs. Illinois
- Over 161.5 (4 units)
Texas Tech vs. Illinois Final Score Prediction
- Illinois 108-Texas Tech 94
Despite their injuries, the Illini are home and have the best guard in this matchup in Boswell. Illinois was not a good three-point shooting team last season (31.3%), but they are shooting 41.2% in its first two games this season. Wagler was a strong addition and is similar to Will Riley as a think wing who can shoot the ball and distribute. The Red Raiders are well coached, but they've faced nobody thus far. Take the Illini.
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