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Northwestern vs. Illinois prediction: Why Illinois is favored to win women's college basketball matchup [1/18/2026]
Updated: | First published:
Written by Ryan Leaver, Senior Sports and Betting Editor
Get Northwestern vs Illinois predictions for college basketball Sunday.
Women's college basketball action continues on Sunday at 3:00 PM ET as Northwestern faces off with the favored Illinois at State Farm Center.
Based on updated simulation results, Dimers' new women's basketball model projects Illinois as the most likely winner of the Northwestern vs. Illinois game.
This article offers further insights into Sunday's matchup, including best bets and picks.
Northwestern vs. Illinois prediction: Who will win?
Using innovative machine learning and data, we have simulated the result of Sunday's women's basketball game between Northwestern and Illinois 10,000 times as part of our women's college basketball predictions coverage.
Our leading predictive model gives Illinois a 97% chance of defeating Northwestern.
According to our model, the 141.5-point over/under has a 52% chance of staying under.
Northwestern vs. Illinois odds
We have sourced the best women's college basketball odds in America for this game, which are listed here:
| Bet Type | Northwestern | Illinois |
|---|---|---|
| Spread | +22.5 (-110) | -22.5 (-110) |
| Moneyline | +2000 | -6667 |
| Total | o141.5 (-110) | u141.5 (-110) |
All odds are correct at the time of publication and are subject to change.
Northwestern vs. Illinois picks and best bet
After matching our predictions against the best current odds, we can reveal our picks for each of the major markets. Plus, find our best bet for the game below:
| Bet Type | Pick | Bet Now |
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Northwestern +22.5 | -110 |
| Moneyline | Northwestern | +2000 |
| Total | Under 141.5 | -110 |
According to our women's college basketball best bets, the top play to make on this game is Northwestern +22.5 at the spread.
Northwestern vs. Illinois game-day updates and essential details
Sunday's women's basketball matchup between Illinois and Northwestern at State Farm Center is scheduled to start at 3:00 PM ET.
- Who: Northwestern vs. Illinois
- Date: Sunday, January 18, 2026
- Time: 3:00 PM ET/12:00PM PT
- Venue: State Farm Center
Conclusion
We predict Illinois, with a 97% win probability, will likely beat Northwestern on Sunday.
AI and automation have enhanced this article to quickly deliver accurate Northwestern vs. Illinois insights, with human oversight ensuring high editorial quality. Our predictions are sourced from up-to-date data to help you make informed decisions. For additional resources and advice on responsible gambling, please call 1-800-GAMBLER.
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Ryan Leaver uses advanced statistical models and simulations to predict outcomes and provide predictions for the NBA, NFL, college football, college basketball, and soccer. He offers detailed game previews, best bets, props, and futures articles.
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