The 10-2 Northwestern Wildcats against the 10-2 Illinois Fighting Illini in a battle of undefeated Big 10 teams. Northwestern opened conference play with a win over Purdue while Illinois took care of Rutgers. The Northwestern Wildcats have gotten off to a very good start to the season as they look to make the dance for the second year in a row. Northwestern is led by Boo Buie with 17.9 points while Brooks Barnhizer adds 13.3 points per game. The Wildcats put up 72.9 points per game while allowing 63.1. The Illini are ranked 9th in the country but will be without leading scorer Terrence Shannon Jr., who was charged with rape and suspended indefinitely from the team. Shannon led the team with 21.7 points per game. Illinois is putting up 82.9 points per game while allowing just 65.5 points. Illini will miss Shannon Jr.’s on both ends of the court. In last year’s game between these two in Illinois, the Illini won 66-62. I like Northwestern to keep this one close as Shaanon’s big play ability will be missed.

Play on Northwestern. This is a free play.