Texas basketball vs. Illinois: Prediction and odds college basketball

No. 2 ranked Texas basketball team will play Illinois in the Jimmy V. Classic at Madison Square Garden on Dec. 6 at 6 p.m. CT. Texas is undefeated in two games against ranked opponents this season. Illinois is 6-2 and lost to the No. 22 Maryland Terrapins on the road on December 2.

Texas is a 2.5-point favorite over Illinois. The moneyline favors Texas (-142) slightly over Illinois (+116). According to the ESPN Basketball Power Index, Texas has a 64.9 percent chance of beating Illinois on December 1.

Illinois is a fast-paced team that averages 81 points per game. Texas has won three straight games over ranked opponents. The team is led by former Texas Tech Red Raiders wing Terrence Shannon Jr. Illinois is one of the better defensive teams in the country.