News - Showdown in Champaign: Illinois Aims to Halt Skid Against Indiana

This Sunday, college basketball fans are in for a treat as Indiana visits No. 8 Illinois at the State Farm Center in what promises to be an electrifying Big Ten clash. After suffering back-to-back overtime defeats, the Fighting Illini are eager to stop their two-game losing streak and reclaim momentum as they eye the Big Ten title. Indiana, buoyed by victories in five of its past six games, is looking to continue its impressive form. The Hoosiers enter Sunday's contest following home wins against Wisconsin and Oregon, marking their first away game in nearly two weeks. Despite facing a challenging January where they went 5-4, Indiana has since regrouped and is now projected as a 9 seed for the NCAA Tournament, making this game crucial for both teams. For Illinois, narrowly losing to Michigan State and Wisconsin has put a dent in their campaign for conference supremacy. With six regular-season games remaining, maintaining any hope for the Big Ten championship requires a strong performance against Indiana. Miharm Keaton Wagler has become a key figure in Illinois' strategy, delivering impressive performances, including a standout 34-point game against Wisconsin. His ability to influence games through scoring and assists will be vital if Illinois is to turn their fortunes around. Indiana's guard Lamar Wilkerson has also drawn attention with standout play recently. After recording 41 points against Oregon, Wilkerson is now a critical component of Indiana's success, ranking second in the Big Ten for points per game. His continuing form is crucial as the Hoosiers aim for another upset to their name. Fans can catch this exciting matchup live on CBS at 1 p.m. ET. With Illinois entering as double-digit favorites but the Hoosiers relishing their role as underdogs, the stage is set for a thrilling encounter. CBS Sports provides a live stream on CBSSports.com and the CBS Sports App, as well as streaming on Paramount+ Premium. It's a game that could significantly impact the trajectory of both teams as March Madness looms. The odds, according to FanDuel Sportsbook, favor Illinois, but Indiana's recent track record as underdogs cannot be overlooked. Expect a closely contested battle with the potential for an Indiana cover, or even an outright win if their momentum continues. Betting pick favors Indiana +10.5.