Picks for 12/9/25
College Basketball
7:30 PM EST
Rotation # 613
Illinois -3.5 over Ohio State (win)
Ohio State has looked good to start this season, but its schedule hasn’t been particularly tough. The Buckeyes have played a cupcake non-conference schedule, facing teams that are among the worst defensively. Illinois is a team of giants, not only tall but also physically imposing. Kylan Boswell, the Illini’s smallest starter, plays much bigger as he can shoot the three well and is great at getting to the foul line. Ohio State will be an improved team this season, but it won’t be easy in the young season’s first true test against an elite program that will be tough to shoot over or to get second-chance points against. Zvonimir Ivisic is a phenomenal shot blocker and a great rebounder alongside David Mirkovic. Brad Underwood is the better of the two head coaches and should lead his team to a big win in their conference opener. Take Illinois.