UConn vs. Illinois Picks and Prediction for Friday, November 28, 2025
On Friday, the UConn Huskies and Illinois Fighting Illini will play on the hardwood at Madison Square Garden, and we have you ready to go with our UConn vs. Illinois prediction, odds, and preview. Tip-off from New York City is at 12:30 p.m. ET.
These programs played in last season's NCAA Tournament, a game the Huskies won 77-52. UConn led by only five at the half, but outscored Illinois by 20 after the break. If you want the UConn vs. Illinois prediction, read on to get our top NCAAB predictions and increase your bankroll!
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Huskies are nearing full strength
UConn (5-1 SU, 1-5 ATS, and 2-4 O/U) beat Bryant 72-29 in its previous game, failing to cover the spread as 36.5-point favorites. The Huskies' only ATS win came against UMass Lowell. Connecticut averages 100.6 points per game (38th) on 51.0 percent shooting (26th), and its opponents score 73.6 points per game (118th) on 38.6 percent shooting (50th), including 26.9 percent from long range (35th).
The Huskies were 24-11 last season, finishing third in the Big East with a 14-6 conference record. They sought to become the first college basketball team to win three straight national championships since UCLA won seven straight (1966–67 to 1972–73), but lost to eventual champion Florida in the second round of the NCAA Tournament. UConn is led by eighth-year head coach Dan Hurley, who has compiled a 168-69 record in Storrs.
The 2025-26 Huskies squad was picked to finish second behind St. John's in the Big East's preseason poll. They placed three players on the preseason All-BIG EAST First Team: junior guard Solo Ball (14.2 PPG and 3.5 RPG this season), senior forward Alex Karaban (14.3 PPG and 5.2 RPG), and senior center Tarris Reed Jr. (20.0 PPG, 9.3 RPG, and 2.7 BPG). Retaining all three was significant, along with junior forward Jaylin Stewart (7.2 PPG and 3.5 RPG). Hurley also strengthened the roster through the transfer portal and high school ranks. Silas Demary Jr. was a significant addition, as the Georgia transfer fills a need at point guard. The 6-foot-5 junior has a desired blend of size, athleticism, and work ethic, and averaged 19.0 points over the final 10 games last season. Another Huskie to watch against BYU is senior guard Malachi Smith (10.4 PPG and 5.3 APG at Dayton last season).
UConn Huskies Injury Report:
- C Tarris Reed Jr. (ankle) and G Braylon Mullins (ankle) are game-time decisions. Both practiced this week, per Hurley.
Illinois must win the battle of the boards
Illinois (6-1 SU, 3-3-1 ATS, and 2-5 O/U) defeated UT Rio Grande Valley 87-73 in its last game, failing to cover the spread as 33.5-point favorites. The Illini have only covered once since November 7. U of I averages 110.3 points per game (7th) on 50.2 percent shooting (39th), and its opponents score 81.3 points per game (210th) on 40.1 percent shooting (86th).
The Fighting Illini were picked to finish fourth in the media's Big Ten preseason poll. Leading scorer Kasparas Jakucionis is gone (NBA), along with forward Will Riley (NBA), guard Tre White (Kansas), and Morez Johnson Jr. (Michigan), but head coach Brad Underwood (169-101 record in Champaign) has a talented roster capable of scoring a ton of points. Illinois added several quality transfers and freshmen, but also returns three starters from last season's NCAA Tournament team.
Senior guard Kylan Boswell leads the Fighting Illini into action, averaging 16.1 points on 46.1 percent shooting. He also averages 4.1 rebounds, 4.0 dimes, and 1.0 steals. A few other Illinois stars to watch against UConn are Cal transfer guard Andrej Stojakovic (18.5 PPG and 4.2 RPG), freshman forward David Mirkovic (15.1 PPG and 10.3 RPG), and freshman guard Keaton Wagler (15.0 PPG and 5.9 RPG). The Illini are solid on both ends of the court, ranking 8th in offensive efficiency and 19th in defensive efficiency, per KenPom.
| # | Handicapper | Profit |
|---|---|---|
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| 2 |  Ross Benjamin | +1,840.00 |
| 3 |  Rob Vincilleti | +1,757.00 |
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| 5 |  Dan Kaiser | +987.00 |
Illinois Fighting Illini Injury Report:
- G/F Ty Rodgers is out (knee).
UConn vs. Illinois Pick and Preview
Spread Pick for UConn vs. Illinois
- UConn -2.5 (5 Units)
I prefer the Huskies' side ATS. Their depth could get a boost with Reed potentially returning and Mullins hopeful to make his collegiate debut, which would make them even more dangerous. Illinois is an overrated offensive team compared to UConn, which plays a more efficient, unselfish brand of basketball. Their movement-based offense should find sufficient open looks, while I have my doubts about Illinois' back-to-the-basket, clear-out offense. The Illini relied too heavily on Stojakovic against Alabama, as he seemed like the only player capable and willing to go get a basket.
The Huskies won't dominate on the glass, but they'll rebound the ball enough to win and cover on Black Friday.
Over/Under Pick for UConn vs. Illinois
- Under 155 (5 Units)
The Huskies will slow down the tempo to their liking (259th in possessions/game), throwing the higher-tempo Illini off their game. UConn takes great care of the basketball and shares it, too (8th in assist/turnover ratio), so don't count on many fast-break points for the Illini. As long as they hold their own on the glass against U of I, the Huskies should keep the pace below average and low-scoring.
The under is a combined 9-4 in Illinois' and Connecticut's games this season. Bet on that outcome on Friday!
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