Marquee Game
FS1

#9 Illinois @ #5 Nebraska

Sunday, 4:00 PM ET | Pinnacle Bank Arena, Lincoln, NE
Spread
NEB -1.5 (-110)
Moneyline
NEB -125 / ILL +105
Total
O/U 150.5

This is the game of the day in college basketball, and it's not particularly close. When #9 Illinois (18-3, 9-1 Big Ten) travels to Lincoln to face #5 Nebraska (20-1, 9-1 Big Ten), we're getting two of the best teams in the country battling for sole possession of first place in the Big Ten. The Cornhuskers are looking to rebound from their first loss of the season, a result that dropped them from the ranks of the unbeatens. Meanwhile, the Fighting Illini have been on an absolute tear, winners of 10 straight games and playing the most efficient offensive basketball in the entire country according to KenPom.

Nebraska's lone loss this season showed that this team, despite their remarkable record, can be vulnerable. Fred Hoiberg's squad has built their success on elite defense, ranking 21st nationally and allowing just 65.4 points per game. The Cornhuskers have been nearly unbeatable at home, winning 12 straight at Pinnacle Bank Arena where the crowd creates one of the toughest environments in the Big Ten. Their 6-1 ATS record in the last seven games suggests the market has been undervaluing them, but facing Illinois' #1-ranked KenPom offense presents a different challenge entirely.

Brad Underwood has Illinois playing at an elite level on both ends. The Illini rank first in KenPom's offensive efficiency and second in the Big Ten in scoring at 85.0 points per game. However, their 3-6 SU and ATS record against top-25 scoring defenses this season is a concerning trend heading into this matchup. Illinois has the firepower to outscore anyone, but Nebraska's defensive intensity at home could neutralize their advantages. The 150.5 total reflects the expectation of a moderately-paced game controlled by defense.

The 1.5-point spread essentially makes this a pick'em, which is appropriate for two teams with identical conference records meeting on the road. FanDuel's model gives Nebraska a 70.2% win probability, while BetMGM predicts the Huskers with 64.6% confidence. Both teams enter with 13-8 ATS records this season, making this a true toss-up from a betting perspective. Home court advantage and Nebraska's defensive identity could be the difference in what should be an instant classic in Lincoln.

Game 2
FS1

Iowa @ Oregon

Sunday, 8:00 PM ET | Matthew Knight Arena, Eugene, OR
Spread
IOWA -9.5 (-110)
Moneyline
IOWA -588 / ORE +420
Total
O/U 133.5

It's been a forgettable season for Oregon, and Sunday night doesn't promise any relief. The Ducks (8-13, 1-9 Big Ten) will attempt to end a brutal seven-game losing streak when they host Iowa (15-5, 5-4 Big Ten) at Matthew Knight Arena. This is a program that expected to compete in their first Big Ten season, but injuries have completely derailed those plans. Jackson Shelstad has missed nearly half the season, Nate Bittle is on the shelf, and both Takai Simpkins and Ege Demir have recently joined the injury list. The Ducks are playing with a shell of their intended roster.

Iowa has been solid in Ben McCollum's first year at the helm, and the Hawkeyes arrive in Eugene having won three straight games. At 15-5 overall with a 5-4 mark in Big Ten play, Iowa has exceeded expectations in a competitive conference. The implied score of Hawkeyes 72, Ducks 62 tells you exactly what the market expects: a comfortable Iowa victory where they control tempo and limit Oregon's already-diminished offensive attack. The Hawkeyes have been particularly strong on the road against struggling teams this season.

The 9.5-point spread is significant for a conference road game, but Oregon's circumstances make it justified. A healthy Ducks roster would make this a completely different matchup, but that's not the reality Dana Altman is working with. The 133.5 total is notably low, suggesting both teams will struggle to find rhythm in what could be an ugly game. Oregon's 1-9 conference record includes losses by double digits in most of those games, and Iowa has the defensive discipline to keep the Ducks off balance. The Hawkeyes should cruise to victory and cover this spread without much drama.

Game 3
ESPN2

Tulane @ Memphis

Sunday, 1:00 PM ET | FedExForum, Memphis, TN
Spread
MEM -12.5 (-110)
Moneyline
MEM -700 / TUL +475
Total
O/U 147.5

Memphis continues their push for NCAA Tournament positioning when they host Tulane in an AAC matchup at FedExForum. Penny Hardaway's Tigers have been one of the more consistent programs in the American this season, and they've been dominant at home where the atmosphere creates significant challenges for visiting teams. Tulane enters as heavy underdogs in a game that Memphis should control from start to finish. The Green Wave have struggled on the road this season and don't have the depth to match up with Memphis' athleticism and offensive firepower.

The 12.5-point spread reflects the significant talent gap between these programs. Memphis has NBA-caliber athletes across their roster and can overwhelm opponents with their transition game and defensive pressure. Tulane relies on execution and half-court offense to stay competitive, but that approach typically struggles against Memphis' length and activity. The FedExForum crowd will be engaged for a Sunday matinee, and the Tigers should feed off that energy from the opening tip.

The 147.5 total suggests a moderately-paced game that Memphis should control. The Tigers want to push tempo and create chaos, while Tulane will try to slow things down and limit possessions. Expect Memphis to impose their will early, build a comfortable lead, and manage the game through the second half. This is a classic conference mismatch where the home favorite should cover comfortably.