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Chicago State Cougars @ Illinois Fighting Illini

Current Records: Chicago State 0-14, Illinois 8-3

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If the oddsmakers' predictions hold true, the near future looks bright for Illinois. They will finish 2024 at home by hosting the Chicago State Cougars at 2:00 p.m. ET on Sunday at State Farm Center. The Fighting Illini are strutting in with some offensive muscle as they've averaged 83.6 points per game this season.

Illinois is headed into the matchup having just posted their closest win since March 28th on Sunday. They had just enough and edged Missouri out 80-77. The over/under was set at 157 points, so nice work oddsmakers; you were right on the money.

Illinois' win was the result of several impressive offensive performances. One of the most notable came from Kylan Boswell, who almost dropped a double-double on 16 points and nine rebounds. The team also got some help courtesy of Kasparas Jakucionis, who posted 21 points.

Meanwhile, this season is starting to look grim for Chicago State, who still haven't picked up a win after 14 games. They fell victim to a bruising 81-57 loss at the hands of CSNorthridge last Saturday. The match was up for grabs at halftime, but sadly the Cougars were thoroughly outmatched 59-32 in the second half.

Illinois' victory bumped their record up to 8-3. As for Chicago State, their defeat dropped their record down to 0-14.

Sunday's contest is shaping up to be a scrappy matchup: Illinois has crashing the boards this season, having averaged 45.3 rebounds per game (they're ranked first in rebounds per game overall). It's a different story for Chicago State, though, as they've been averaging only 33.1. Given Illinois' sizable advantage in that area, Chicago State will need to find a way to close that gap.

Everything came up roses for Illinois against Chicago State when the teams last played back in November of 2020, as the squad secured a 97-38 win. In that game, Illinois amassed a halftime lead of 47-17, an impressive feat they'll look to repeat on Sunday.

The oddsmakers had a good feel for the line for this one, as the game opened with the Fighting Illini as a 39-point favorite.


The over/under is 150.5 points.

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Series History

Illinois has won both of the games they've played against Chicago State in the last 9 years.

  • Nov 26, 2020 - Illinois 97 vs. Chicago State 38
  • Nov 23, 2015 - Illinois 82 vs. Chicago State 79