Vegas Play of the Day: Ohio State and Illinois

By Ray Brewer (contact)

Thursday, Jan. 28, 2016 | 11:33 a.m.

We've reset the Play of the Day with fresh bankrolls and turned it into a yearly competition. Our three sports writers have re-started with $10,000 bankrolls to continue using on odds from the South Point.

Ohio State minus-1 at Illinois, $440 to win $400: Ohio State dominated the inside when the teams met earlier in the season, outrebounding the Illini by 10 and recording nine blocked shots. Ohio State got to the free throw line 39 times.

Illinois center Mike Thorne Jr. is a game-time decision, meaning the Illini could be without his nearly 13 points per game. Even if he plays, Thorne Jr. won’t be a full strength. That will allow Ohio State’s Daniel Giddens and Marc Loving to have a bigger impact.

Illinois has a 10-10 record and lost by nearly 40 points last week to Indiana. In a coin flip game, it’s tough to bet on a team accustomed to losing half its games. Look for Ohio State to easily cover.

Current Standings (as of July 1): Brewer (32-28, $10,420), Bern (24-30, $7,455), Keefer (27-41-2, $4,402)

Lifetime standings: 2014-15 Champion Bern (104-103-1), Keefer (111-123-4), Brewer (101-116-2)

Ray Brewer can be reached at 702-990-2662 or [email protected]. Follow Ray on Twitter at twitter.com/raybrewer21