Ohio State vs. Illinois: TV Schedule, Live Stream, Spread Info and More

The Illinois Fighting Illini (14-3, 3-1 Big Ten) are hosting the Ohio State Buckeyes (15-2, 3-1 Big Ten) in an early season conference battle tonight.

Both teams are having solid seasons thus far, and Illinois is gaining traction in the Top 25 polls.

Should they win here tonight, they will definitely be considered a legitimate contender.

Keep reading to see if they have any chance of doing so.

Where: Assembly Hall, Champagne, IL

When: Tuesday, Jan. 10 at 9:00 p.m. EST

Watch: ESPN/ESPN3 (Live Stream)

Listen: 97.1 FM The Fan—Ohio State, 1400 AM WDWS—Illinois

Betting Line: Ohio State -8.5

Key Injuries

Ohio State

No significant injuries.

Illinois

Sam Maniscalco—DBT (Ankle)

D.J. Richardson—PRB (Wrist)

What's At Stake?

When Ohio State opened conference play, they had no problem against Northwestern, but they quickly fell to Indiana on New Year's Eve.

Now, they have started a two-game winning streak against Big Ten foes and are hoping to keep that going tonight against Illinois.

Illinois is boasting the same record in the conference after losing to Purdue on New Year's Eve as well, and they are looking to gain an early advantage in the tournament seeding at the end of the season by winning here.

It’s going to be an uphill battle, but it isn’t outside the realm of possibility.

What They're Saying

Mark Tupper of Pantagraph.com is reporting that coach Bruce Weber feels his team needs a Tim Tebow-like miracle to win tonight against the Buckeyes:

"We need a Bronco win," he said, referring to Denver's overtime victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday. "We need a Tebow experience."

Pat Brennan of The Latern found coach Thad Matta respects the Illini’s ability to win games with big nights from young guys.

"

Like us, (Illinois') got youth. They've got guys that can have big nights. They're finding ways to win basketball games, which at this particular juncture, is what it's all about. They've had some close games, but they find ways to come out on top.

"

Ohio State Player to Watch: Jared Sullinger

The last time Sullinger came to Champagne, he scored 27 points, grabbed 16 boards and blocked three shots while playing the entire time.

If he pulls that off again, the Buckeyes will not lose.

Illinois Player to Watch: D.J. Richardson

The junior guard is leading the team in scoring and is expected to be back in the starting lineup after coming off the bench this past Saturday with a sprained right wrist.

Key Matchup: Jared Sullinger vs. Meyers Leonard

Illinois’ 7’1”, 245-pound center has the physical tools to match up against the 6’9”, 280-pound super sophomore, but he will actually have to prove it on the court tonight if the Illini want any chance to win.

Prediction

Ohio State 75, Illinois 64

Illinois will hang around until Jared Sullinger takes over and absolutely dominates. He is simply too good and cannot be contained by anyone on their roster, not even Meyers Leonard, their biggest player.