NCAAB 02/05/12

NORTHWESTERN WILDCATS @ ILLINOIS FIGHTING ILLINI

Suggestion: Illinois -5.5

Illinois has the better record overall and are 12-1 at home, having only dropped a close contest with Wisconsin. Northwestern, on the other hand, are 1-5 on the road, being outscored by an average of 12 points, while Illinois has defeated opponents at home by the same average margin. Illinois has already defeated Northwestern on the road and hold a decided defensive advantage over the Wildcats, holding opponents to 40% shooting and less than 61 ppg. When also taking into account several injuries that will affect Northwestern's depth, I expect the Illini to win this one by at least 6.