Jan. 4 Big Ten Basketball Predictions: Illinois Tries to Rebound in Evanston

It might have taken overtime, and a controversial call in the final seconds, but Tom Izzo has finally beaten Bo Ryan in the Kohl Center. The refs got it right, by the way: The court clock clearly read 0.00 when Evans released what he thought to be the game-tying three in overtime. 

When the shot was waved off, however, so was my shot at retaining my perfect record predicting Big Ten games straight up this season. Michigan State covering the five-point spread also handed me my second loss of the season ATS (against the spread).

Fortunately, the Buckeyes had my back, easily covering the 23.5-point spread in a systematic destruction of Nebraska. The Huskers are learning the hard way that they aren't in the Big 12 anymore. This is basketball country!

Last Night:

Straight Up: 1-1

Against the Spread: 1-1-0

For the Season:

Straight Up: 8-1 (89%)

Against the Spread: 7-2-0 (78%)

7:00 PM: Illinois at Northwestern (-2.5)

This game is brought to you by the word REBOUND. Can Illinois rebound after a 15-point New Year's Eve shellacking at Purdue? More importantly, can Northwestern find a way to literally rebound against a bigger, more physical opponent.

This game represents the Wildcats' first opportunity to make a statement about why this season will be different for them in conference play. A home win against a quality—albeit very beatable—team will give them a springboard as they head into two games they're sure to be underdogs in (at Michigan, then home against Michigan St.). Lose, and they stare down the barrel of a potential 1-4 start in the Big Ten.

I'm not sure what Northwestern's answer to Meyers Leonard is going to be, but they are a crafty, scrappy, veteran bunch, who are desperate to finally get over the hump and make their first ever NCAA tournament. Illinois has to show me much more of a road backbone than they did at Purdue before I count on them away from Champaign

Straight Up: Northwestern

Against the Spread: Northwestern -2.5

9:00 PM: Iowa at Minnesota (-8)

The last time we saw the Hawkeyes, they were shocking the world with a relatively comfortable upset at Wisconsin. The Gophers, on the other hand, were falling to 0-2 in Big Ten play, with a five-point loss at Michigan.

Despite their 0-2 record, however, Minnesota has a lot to build on from as they return home from their road trip. They were competitive in hostile environments, against two tournament-caliber opponents, without their best player. Now they get the chance to return home, against a team whose previous performance ensures that they'll be taken seriously.

Expect Tubby Smith's team to come out fired up and walk away with their first Big Ten victory. If Minnesota can't win this one by double digits, they probably won't win another one in that fashion for the rest of the season.

Straight Up: Minnesota

Against the Spread: Minnesota -8