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March Madness: Illinois vs. UConn odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s Illinois vs. UConn odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The UConn Huskies (34-3) battle the Illinois Fighting Illini (29-8) in the Elite 8 Saturday from TD Garden in Boston. Tip is set for 6:09 p.m. ET (TBS/truTV). Below, we analyze FanDuel Sportsbook’s lines around the Illinois vs. UConn odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and best bets.

The Huskies earned the top seed in the East Region and throttled the 16th-seeded Stetson Hatters 91-52 March 22. They then beat the 9th-seeded Northwestern Wildcats 75-58 Sunday and the 5th-seeded San Diego State Aztecs 82-52 Thursday, covering as 27.5-point, 13-point and 12-point favorites, respectively. UConn was 20-11 against the spread (ATS) in the regular season and has gone 5-1 ATS in its 6 postseason games.

Illinois made a deep run in the Big Ten Tournament prior to the start of the NCAA Tournament. It won the Big Ten in a 93-87 victory over Wisconsin March 17. The Fighting Illini were given the 3rd seed in the region and took down the Morehead State Eagles 85-69 in the 1st round, beating the Duquesne Dukes 89-63 in the 2nd round and then the No. 2-seeded Iowa State Cyclones 72-69 in the Sweet 16. Illinois has covered in each and is 5-1 ATS in its 6 postseason games (3-0 ATS in the NCAA Tournament). It finished the regular season 17-12-2 ATS.

UConn finished No. 1 in the USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll, while Illinois ended the season 10th.

Illinois vs. UConn odds

Provided by FanDuel Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 10:40 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Illinois +330 (bet $100 to win $330) | UConn -430 (bet $430 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Illinois +8.5 (-102) | UConn -8.5 (-120)
Over/Under (O/U): 155.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Illinois vs. UConn picks and predictions

Prediction

UConn 80, Illinois 76

Moneyline

PASS.

The Huskies (-430) are surging and should come out on top. At -430, they aren’t even worth considering on the moneyline. Illinois has some value, but the spread offers the better play here.

Against the spread

BET ILLINOIS +8.5 (-102).

UConn is among the best teams in the NCAA on both sides of the court, sitting 1st in KenPom’s adjusted offensive rating and 6th in defensive rating. Illinois might have a lacking defense, but it can score with the best of them, which should help keep this game close.

The Fighting Illini sit 2nd in offensive rating. They scored 72 on a strong Iowa State defense and notched at least 85 in the 4 games prior, 1 of which was a 93-point performance against Wisconsin, which sits 46th in KenPom’s defensive rating. Illinois has a scorching hot player in G Terrence Shannon Jr., who is averaging 31.2 points per game in the postseason.

Expect a close battle in this one given the Fighting Illini’s ability to score, and back ILLINOIS +8.5 (-102).

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Over/Under

LEAN OVER 155.5 (-110).

During the regular season, UConn had 5 players averaging double figures. It doesn’t play at a fast pace, but it has an efficient offense that will make the possessions count. It has scored at least 92 points in 4 of its last 6 games.

The Fighting Illini will be a test that the Huskies have yet to face this season. Illinois has scored at least 85 in 4 of its last 5 and went over the projected total in 21 of 31 regular season games and in 5 of 6 postseason games.

Given the skill set of both teams and the strong efficiency offensively, take OVER 155.5 (-110).

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March Madness: Illinois vs. Iowa State odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Thursday’s Illinois vs. Iowa State odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Iowa State Cyclones (29-7) battle the Illinois Fighting Illini (28-8) in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament Thursday at TD Garden in Boston. Tip is set for 10:09 p.m. ET (TBS/truTV). Below, we analyze FanDuel Sportsbook’s lines around the Illinois vs. Iowa State odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and best bets.

Illinois, the No. 3 seed in the East Region, throttled the 13th-seeded Morehead State Eagles 85-69 in the 1st round despite taking a 1-point lead into the half. Illinois covered as an 11-point favorite in its first game since winning the Big Ten Tournament. The Fighting Illini then took down the 11th-seeded Duquesne Dukes 89-63, again covering as double-digit (10-point) favorites. Illinois was 17-12-2 against the spread (ATS) in the regular season and is 4-1 ATS in the postseason.

No. 2 seed Iowa State is one of the hottest teams in the country. The Cyclones beat the 15th-seeded South Dakota State Jackrabbits 82-65 in the 1st round and took down the 7th-seeded Washington State Cougars 67-56 in the 2nd round. ISU covered the spreads in both games — as a 15.5-point and a 6.5-point favorite, respectively. The Cyclones won the Big 12 Tournament prior to the NCAA Tourney, beating a No. 1 seed (Houston) in the Big 12 Championship Game. They went 19-10-2 ATS in the regular season and 5-0 ATS in the postseason.

Iowa State is No. 4 and Illinois is No. 10 in the USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll.

Illinois vs. Iowa State odds

Provided by FanDuel Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Wednesday at 4:39 p.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Illinois +104 (bet $100 to win $104) | Iowa State -125 (bet $125 to win $100)
Against the spread: Illinois +1.5 (-110) | Iowa State -1.5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 145.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Illinois vs. Iowa State picks and predictions

Prediction

Iowa State 76, Illinois 73

Moneyline

BET IOWA STATE (-125).

While the spread offers good value as well, this has all the makings of a close game, so taking the moneyline reduces some of that risk.

That said, in the last calendar month, the Cyclones have beaten BYU at home and have neutral-court wins over then-No. 1 Houston and No. 13 Baylor (a No. 3 seed). That’s an impressive resume. They have turned it on as of late due to their extremely strong defense.

Iowa State ranks 34th in the country in opponents’ effective field-goal percentage and has held 5 straight opponents to 65 or fewer. Only 3 teams (Maryland, Nebraska and Rutgers) in the Big Ten (Illinois’ conference) rank higher, and in those 5 regular-season games, the Fighting Illini are 4-1, yet have just 1 win by more than 5 points, a 76-58 Dec. 2 road victory over Rutgers, which didn’t make the NCAA Tournament.

Iowa State is significantly better than each, and the Fighting Illini struggled against those teams. Expect Illinois’ red-hot offense to take a step back. The Illini did lose 2 of their last 5 on the road prior to postseason play.

Considering the trends and the strong Cyclones’ defense, BACK IOWA STATE (-125).

Against the spread

PASS.

The moneyline for the favorite is preferred here.

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Over/Under

LEAN OVER 145.5 (-110).

Iowa State is 2-3 O/U in the postseason but have scored 76 or more in 3 of its last 5 games, so it has the ability to play at a fast pace and score efficiently.

Illinois scores efficiently as well and plays at one of the quickest paces in the country, scoring at least 85 in 4 straight games and hitting the Over in all 4. It sits 34th (62.0) of 362 programs in field-goal attempts per game. It was 21-10 O/U in the regular season.

While the Iowa State defense is strong, the pace of this game should be quick given Illinois’ style of play. BACK OVER 145.5 (-110).

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March Madness: Duquesne vs. Illinois odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s Duquesne Dukes vs. Illinois Fighting Illini NCAA Tournament odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Illinois Fighting Illini (27-8) battle the Duquesne Dukes (25-11) Saturday in the 2nd round of the NCAA Tournament from CHI Health Center Omaha. Tip is set for 8:40 p.m. ET (TNT). Below, we analyze FanDuel Sportsbook’s lines around the Duquesne vs. Illinois odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and best bets.

Illinois is No. 10 in the USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll and seeded 3rd in the East Region. The Illini beat the No. 14 Morehead State Eagles 85-69 Thursday, covering as an 11-point favorite. Illinois has covered in 3 straight games and ended the regular season 17-12-2 against the spread (ATS). It won the Big Ten Tournament and is one of the hottest teams in the country.

Duquesne has also proven itself, taking down Dayton and VCU en route to an Atlantic 10 Championship. It was just 14-16 ATS on the season, but has covered 5 straight since the end of the regular season. The 11th-seeded Dukes beat the 6-seed BYU Cougars 71-67 Thursday, covering as a 9-point underdog. They have covered in 8 of their last 9 games and have covered in 5 straight as an underdog.

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Duquesne vs. Illinois odds

Provided by FanDuel Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 3:18 p.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Duquesne +400 (bet $100 to win $400) | Illinois -550 (bet $550 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Duquesne +9.5 (-102) | Illinois -9.5 (-120)
Over/Under (O/U): 147.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Duquesne vs. Illinois picks and predictions

Prediction

Illinois 76, Duquesne 69

Moneyline

PASS.

There’s no reason to bet the favorite here. Although an upset is possible, still avoid the Dukes on the moneyline.

Against the spread

BET DUQUESNE +9.5 (-102).

This is going to be a clash of styles. Duquesne sits 257th in the country in field goal attempts per game (56.6) while Illinois ranked 33rd (62.1). If the game is slower, fewer points should be scored which may not give the Fighting Illini much chance to pull away by double figures.

Illinois also outlasted Morehead State, but it didn’t showcase its prowess despite covering. The Fighting Illini were up just 1 at half. Meanwhile, Duquesne forced BYU to shoot 39% from the field and 33% from deep. The Dukes defense is legit and limited VCU to 51 and Dayton to 57 in the last week.

Back DUQUESNE +9.5 (-102).

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Over/Under

LEAN UNDER 147.5 (-110).

The Dukes just play too slow and have too good of a defense to bet for points in this game. They have gone Under in 4 straight games and were 8-21-1 O/U on the regular season.

Illinois has been a powerhouse for hitting the Over and was 21-10 O/U during the regular season and 4-0 O/U in the postseason. The Fighting Illini hit 54% of their shots and 46% of their 3s on Morehead State. Those are unlikely to be repeated.

That said, expect the slower pace to be the main factor here and take UNDER 147.5 (-110).

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March Madness: Morehead State vs. Illinois odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Thursday’s Morehead State vs. Illinois odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Illinois Fighting Illini (26-8) battle the Morehead State Eagles (26-8) in the 1st round of the East Region Thursday from CHI Health Center Omaha. Tip is set for 3:10 p.m. ET (truTV). Below, we analyze FanDuel Sportsbook’s lines around the Morehead State vs. Illinois odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and best bets.

Illinois is No. 10 in the USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll. It won the Big Ten Tournament, defeating the No. 24 Wisconsin Badgers 93-87 in the championship game and covering as a 4-point favorite. The Fighting Illini covered in 2 of the 3 tournament games and ended the regular season 17-12-2 against the spread (ATS). They have covered in 7 of their last 11 games. Illinois is the No. 3 seed in the East Region.

Morehead State comes in as the 14th seed in the region and have won 6 straight games. It won the Ohio Valley Conference, beating the Little Rock Trojans 69-55 in the final and covering as a 4.5-point favorite. The Eagles ended the tournament 2-1 ATS and ended the regular season 16-10-1 ATS. During the regular season, Morehead State was led in scoring by Riley Minix at 20.5 points per game.

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Morehead State vs. Illinois odds

Provided by FanDuel Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Wednesday at 2:23 p.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Morehead State +575 (bet $100 to win $575) | Illinois -850 (bet $850 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Morehead State +11.5 (-102) | Illinois -11.5 (-120)
Over/Under (O/U): 147.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)

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Morehead State vs. Illinois picks and predictions

Prediction

Illinois 82, Morehead State 67

Moneyline

PASS.

Illinois has one of the best offenses in the NCAA (84.4 PPG), and it should be able put it on Morehead State Thursday. However, at -850, avoid a moneyline play on the favorite.

Against the spread

BET ILLINOIS -11.5 (-120).

The Fighting Illini have been rolling, beating the Badgers by 6 in the Big Ten Championship and the Nebraska Cornhuskers by 11 in the game prior. They have won 7 of their last 8 games and have covered in 5 of them. Morehead State is one of the worst teams in the tournament, outside the top 100 in both adjusted offensive and defensive rating per Kenpom.

While Illinois’ defense is lacking, it ranks 3rd in offensive rating and will be tough to keep pace with. The Eagles have played 2 quality, high-seeded teams this season and lost to Purdue by 30 points and to Alabama by 32, failing to cover in both.

Expect another blowout here and take ILLINOIS -11.5 (-120).

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Over/Under

LEAN OVER 147.5 (-105).

Morehead State isn’t great at either offense or defense, but Illinois is a poor defensive team which is of note. It sits 93rd in adjusted defensive rating and has allowed at least 87 points in 2 straight games. It has allowed at least 74 in 9 of its last 10.

Morehead State has gone Over in 5 of its last 8 while Illinois has gone Over in 3 straight and in 12 of its last 14. Considering those trends, take OVER 147.5 (-105).

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Big Ten Tournament: Wisconsin vs. Illinois odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Sunday’s Wisconsin Badgers vs. Illinois Fighting Illini Big Ten odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Wisconsin Badgers (22-12, 11-9 Big Ten) and the No. 14 Illinois Fighting Illini (25-8, 14-6 Big Ten) meet in the Big Ten Championship Sunday afternoon. Tipoff at Target Center is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. ET. Below, we analyze FanDuel Sportsbook’s lines around the Wisconsin vs. Illinois odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and best bets.

Wisconsin reached the title game by upsetting the top-seeded Purdue Boilermakers 76-75 in overtime on Saturday. G Chucky Hepburn scored a team-high 22 points, including the game-tying layup to send the game to OT. G Max Klesmit, who had 5 assists, knocked down a runner in the lane with under 5 seconds to play in the extra period to secure the win for the Badgers.

Illinois trailed Nebraska by double digits to close out the 1st half in the 2nd semifinal matchup Saturday, but the Illini surged ahead offensively in the final 20 minutes and beat the Cornhuskers 98-87. G Terrence Shannon Jr. scored a season-high 40 points, a record for the most points scored in a Big Ten Tournament game.

This is the 2nd meeting this season. On March 2, Illini F Marcus Domask scored a game-high 31 points in a 91-83 victory in Madison. Illinois has not lost to Wisconsin since 2019, winning the last 7 matchups.

– Rankings courtesy of the USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll.

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Wisconsin vs. Illinois odds

Provided by FanDuel Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 8:36 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Wisconsin +132 (bet $100 to win $132) | Illinois -160 (bet $160 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Wisconsin +3.5 (-115) | Illinois -3.5 (-105)
Over/Under (O/U): 148.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)

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Wisconsin vs. Illinois picks and predictions

Prediction

Illinois 79, Wisconsin 76

Moneyline

BET ILLINOIS -160.

Shannon, who was the 2nd-leading scorer in the Big Ten (21.9 points per game) behind Purdue’s Zach Edey, is having a monster tournament. It’s a lot of juice to lay, but Illinois is the better team and Brad Underwood’s squad should be able to outlast the Badgers.

Against the spread

PASS.

Greg Gard’s group has gotten hot at the right time after a rough stretch in February and early March which saw Wisconsin go 2-7. I don’t expect the Badgers to win their 1st Big Ten Tournament title since 2015, but I do believe it will be close, similar to when Illinois took down Ohio State 91-88 in OT in the 2021 title game.

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Over/Under

BET OVER 148.5.

Expect junior G Hepburn, along with sophomore G AJ Storr to take plenty of shots as they try to help Wisconsin keep pace with the No. 1 scoring offense in the Big Ten (Illinois averages 84.2 PPG).

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Big Ten Tournament: Nebraska vs. Illinois odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s Nebraska vs. Illinois odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Nebraska Cornhuskers (23-9) battle the No. 14 Illinois Fighting Illini (24-8) Saturday in the semifinals of the Big Ten Tournament. Tip-off from Target Center in Minneapolis is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. ET (CBS). Below, we analyze FanDuel Sportsbook’s lines around the Nebraska vs. Illinois odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.

The 3rd-seeded Cornhuskers destroyed the No. 6 seed Indiana Hoosiers 93-64 Friday night in the quarterfinals. They easily covered the spread as 5.5-point favorites, and the Over (146.5) cashed. Junior G Brice Williams and senior G Keisei Tominaga each scored 23 points in the victory. Nebraska as a team hit 14 three-pointers.

This is the 1st time the Cornhuskers have reached the semifinals of the tournament since they entered the conference in 1998.

The Illinois Fighting Illini, the 2nd seed in the tournament, got 2 clutch free throws from senior F Coleman Hawkins to put them in the lead for good with 1:15 remaining in a 77-74 win over Ohio State Friday. They failed to cover as 5-point favorites, and the Over (149.5) hit. First-team All-Big Ten G Terrence Shannon Jr. continued his historic season with another epic performance, finishing with 28 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals.

The Fighting Illini are looking to win the tournament title for the 1st time since 2021.

Nebraska lost 87-84 in overtime to Illinois Feb. 4 in their only meeting this season. The Cornhuskers did cover the spread as 10-point underdogs, and the Over (154.5) cashed.

– Rankings courtesy of the USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll.

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Nebraska vs. Illinois odds

Provided by FanDuel Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 9:30 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Nebraska +162 (bet $100 to win $162) | Illinois -196 (bet $196 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Nebraska +4.5 (-110) | Illinois -4.5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 153.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Nebraska vs. Illinois picks and predictions

Prediction

Illinois 78, Nebraska 72

Moneyline

PASS.

I’m never going to recommend you to bet almost 2 units to win 1. Illinois (-196) will win this game, but I’m going to look to the spread for my wager.

Against the spread

BET ILLINOIS -4.5 (-110).

The Fighting Illini have owned the Cornhuskers. They’ve beaten them 9 of the last 10 meetings and covered the spread in 7 of those games. Nebraska did cover in the Feb. 4 meeting despite Illinois winning the game in overtime.

This game comes down to Nebraska’s shooting. If it is hitting its 3s, it is very hard to beat — like what we saw against the Hoosiers Friday night. I believe Illinois’ defense will do a better job of controlling the perimeter. The Fighting Illini will play in their 2nd Big Ten championship game in the last 4 years.

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Over/Under

BET UNDER 153.5 (-110).

These teams have been Under in 7 of their last 10 head-to-head matchups. Books wants you to take the Over with the way this line is set because Illinois has done it in 8 of its last 10. However, this is the Big Ten Tournament on a neutral court; all the rules are thrown out the window.

Don’t take the bait. I like the Fighting Illini to cool down the Cornhuskers shooters and keep this game under the total.

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Illinois at Iowa odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Sunday’s Illinois at Iowa odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Iowa Hawkeyes (18-12, 10-9 Big Ten) welcome the No. 12 Illinois Fighting Illini (22-8, 13-6) to Carver-Hawkeye Arena Sunday. Tip is set for 7 p.m. ET (FS1). Below, we analyze FanDuel Sportsbook’s lines around the Illinois vs. Iowa odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and best bets.

Illinois is No. 12 in the USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll. The Fighting Illini lost to the No. 3 Purdue Boilermakers 77-71 Tuesday, failing to cover as 2.5-point home favorites. They snapped a 3-game winning streak with the loss. Illinois is 4-3 against the spread (ATS) in its last 7 games and 16-12-2 ATS on the season.

The Hawkeyes beat the Northwestern Wildcats 87-80 on the road March 2, covering as 2.5-point underdogs. They have won 4 of their last 5 games. In that span, they lost 95-85 on the road to Illinois, closing as 9.5-point underdogs. Iowa is 12-17-1 ATS on the season and led by F Payton Sandfort, who is averaging 16 points per game.

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Illinois at Iowa odds

Provided by FanDuel Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 12:05 p.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Illinois -115 (bet $115 to win $100) | Iowa -104 (bet $104 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Illinois -1.5 (-105) | Iowa +1.5 (-115)
Over/Under (O/U): 172.5 (O: -108 | U: -112)

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Illinois at Iowa picks and predictions

Prediction

Iowa 88, Illinois 85

Moneyline

BET IOWA (-104).

The Hawkeyes have been on a roll as of late, beating Penn State at home, Northwestern on the road, Michigan State on the road and Wisconsin at home over its last 5 games. While it has a road loss to Illinois in that stretch, Iowa had more turnovers and fewer offensive rebounds. It trailed by 1 at half and couldn’t keep up in the 2nd half.

Iowa has 4 players averaging double figures and shooting 45% or better from the field. The Fighting Illini have lost 2 of their last 5 overall and 2 of their last 4 on the road. Expect the efficient Hawkeyes to win at home.

Take IOWA (-104).

Against the spread

PASS.

Take the home team on the moneyline for better value instead of a play on the spread.

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Over/Under

LEAN OVER 172.5 (-108).

Both teams play at a fast tempo and score with ease. The 1st battle between these teams totaled 180 points. That said, Illinois is 21-9 O/U on the season, while Iowa is 20-10 O/U.

Iowa has gone Over in 3 straight, scoring at least 85 in each. Illinois has gone Over in 9 of its last 10 and has scored at least 89 in 4 of its last 5. Considering those trends, back OVER 172.5 (-108).

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Purdue at Illinois odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Purdue at Illinois odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The 3rd-ranked Purdue Boilermakers (26-3, 15-3 Big Ten) are in Champaign to take on the No. 12 Illinois Fighting Illini (22-7, 13-5) Tuesday night. Tip-off from State Farm Center is set for 7 p.m. ET (Peacock). Below, we analyze FanDuel Sportsbook’s lines around the Purdue vs. Illinois odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and best bets.

It’s Senior Night for Illinois, and both the Illini and Boilermakers will be putting their respective 3-game winning streaks on the line in this Big Ten showdown. Illini F Marcus Domask poured in 31 points, knocking down a season-high four 3-pointers in the 91-83 victory over Wisconsin this past Saturday.

Purdue defeated Michigan State 80-74 at home Saturday, and C Zach Edey led the way for the Boilermakers with 32 points and 11 rebounds.

This is the 2nd matchup of the season between these schools. Purdue won 83-78 in West Lafayette in the Jan. 5 contest, although it failed to cash as a 10.5-point favorite. Edey dealt with foul trouble and his 10 points was the fewest that the senior has scored in a Big Ten game this season.

Illinois has played 9 straight games to the Over, while Purdue has played to the Over in 4 of its last 5.

Despite winning 4 of their last 5, the Boilermakers have covered the spread just once in that span, cashing as a 14.5-point home favorite in a 96-68 win vs. Rutgers Feb. 22.

– Rankings courtesy of the USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll.

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Purdue at Illinois odds

Provided by FanDuel Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 11:40 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Purdue +104 (bet $100 to win $104) | Illinois -125 (bet $125 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Purdue +1.5 (-104) | Illinois -1.5 (-118)
Over/Under (O/U): 163.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)

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Purdue at Illinois picks and predictions

Prediction

Purdue 84, Illinois 81

Moneyline

BET PURDUE (+104).

The Boilermakers have won 4 straight in this series, and Edey has scored 67 points combined in his last 2 games. Illinois is an outstanding offensive team, but it does not have the size to keep the NCAA’s reigning national player of the year in check.

Against the spread

BACK PURDUE +1.5 (-104).

G Braden Smith tied season highs with four 3-pointers made and 9 rebounds in the win over Michigan State Saturday. Smith was a perfect 4-of-4 from distance, and G Fletcher Loyer connected on 4 of 6 from 3. G Lance Jones is coming off a dismal performance in that game — 1 point on 0-of-6 from the field — but he led all Purdue guards in the last meeting with Illinois, scoring 17 points on a perfect 7-of-7 from the free-throw line. The combination of these talented guards alongside Edey in the starting lineup is getting points, and I will take them.

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Over/Under

PASS.

My lean would be to the Over, as this matchup features the top 2 scorers in the conference in Edey (24 points per game) and Illinois G Terrence Shannon Jr. (22). However, these schools commit the fewest fouls in the conference; Purdue is 1st with 14 per game and Illinois is 2nd with 15.3. A cleaner game means fewer free throws attempted, which could potentially lead to the game going Under.

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Illinois at Wisconsin odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s Illinois at Wisconsin odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The No. 16 Illinois Fighting Illini (21-7, 12-5 Big Ten) head to Kohl Center to face the Wisconsin Badgers (18-10, 10-7) Saturday at 1 p.m. ET (Big Ten Network). Let’s analyze FanDuel Sportsbook’s lines around the Illinois vs. Wisconsin odds as we make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and best bets.

Illinois, which is No. 16 in the USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll, won barnburner Wednesday night over the Minnesota Golden Gophers, 105-97. It failed to cover the spread as a 12-point favorite but went over the 155.5 total. The Fighting Illini overcame Minnesota’s 14 made 3-pointers by dominating in the post, outscoring the Golden Gophers 50-38 in the paint. Three Fighting Illini starters scored 20+ points, led by G Terrence Shannon Jr.‘s 29. Illinois has averaged 90.6 points per game (PPG) over their last 8, going 6-2 over that stretch.

Wisconsin dropped its 6th game in its last 8 Tuesday night in Bloomington to the Indiana Hoosiers, 74-70. It failed to cover the spread as a 4-point favorite, but the Over (140) hit. The Badgers forced 12 Indiana turnovers but it was not enough to get the victory. Junior G Chucky Hepburn did a little bit of everything for Wisconsin in a losing effort, scoring 15 points, grabbing 7 rebounds, dishing 6 assists and picking up 2 steals. The Badgers have won 3 of their last 4 at home in Big Ten play.

The Fighting Illini have won the last 6 meetings against Wisconsin, including a 61-51 decision Jan. 28, 2023. Illinois covered the spread as 2-point favorite, and the Under (130.5) hit.

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Illinois at Wisconsin odds

Provided by FanDuel Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 9:10 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Illinois +126 (bet $100 to win $126) | Wisconsin -152 (bet $152 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Illinois +2.5 (-104) | Wisconsin -2.5 (-118)
Over/Under (O/U): 154.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)

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Illinois at Wisconsin picks and predictions

Prediction

Illinois 83, Wisconsin 78

Moneyline

BET ILLINOIS (+126).

This may be a trap game for the Fighting Illini on the road in a tough environment, but I love getting them at +126. Illinois has beaten the Badgers in Madison in their last 3 trips. Wisconsin has lost 6 of their last 8 and have failed to cover in all 8 of those games.

Illinois should win this game, but you never know with these conference battles.

Against the spread

PASS.

I have no problem taking Illinois +2.5 but I’m going to put my unit on the moneyline with those juicy odds.

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Over/Under

BET OVER 154.5 (-115).

It’s really hard to ignore the trends toward the Over in this one. These teams have gone over the posted total in 3 of their last 4 meetings.

The Over has hit in 9 the Fighting Illini’s last 10 games and 7 of Wisconsin’s last 10.

The Fighting Illini and Wisconsin combine to average 158 PPG on the season. This game has all the makings of a shootout.

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Nebraska at Illinois odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Friday’s Nebraska at Illinois odds and lines, with college football expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Nebraska Cornhuskers (2-3, 0-2 Big Ten) take on the Illinois Fighting Illini (2-3, 0-2) in Champaign Friday at 8 p.m. ET (FS1). Below, we analyze FanDuel Sportsbook’s lines around the Nebraska vs. Illinois odds, and make our expert college football picks and predictions.

As both teams have had disappointing starts, there’s still more than half the season to be played with aspirations of making a bowl game.

Nebraska is coming off a 45-7 loss as a 17.5-point home underdog to Michigan. The Cornhuskers will look to get their offense going against an Illini defense which has underperformed after losing defensive coordinator Ryan Walters, who took the coaching job at Purdue back in December.

As a matter of fact, the Illini just lost a 1-point road favorites to the Boilermakers 44-19 last Saturday. Illinois only trailed 16-13 at the half, but Purdue scored 21 unanswered points in the 3rd quarter to put the game away.

Something will have to give here. Nebraska averages 18.8 points per game, ranking 120th in the country, according to NCAA.org. The Illinois defense yields 30.6 PPT to rank 102nd.

Rankings: US LBM Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports

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Nebraska at Illinois odds

Provided by FanDuel Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Wednesday at 6:23 p.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Nebraska +136 (bet $100 to win $136) | Illinois -164 (bet $164 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Nebraska +3.5 (-115) | Illinois -3.5 (-105)
Over/Under (O/U): 43.5 (O: -102 | U: -120)

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Nebraska at Illinois picks and predictions

Prediction

Illinois 23, Nebraska 20

Moneyline

BET ILLINOIS (-164) to be safe in this matchup.

Nebraska did not show much life against Michigan in the 45-7 loss, though the Wolverines are certainly a better team and have been beating all their opponents in similar fashion. However, the Nebraska offense has struggled this season, averaging just 18.8 PPG as mentioned.

In Illinois’ biggest challenge, it was able to hang with current No. 6 Penn State for a while before losing 30-13 as a 14-poing home underdog — the Illini trailed 16-7 at the half. Had QB Luke Altmyer not thrown 4 picks, Illinois would have had a chance to pull off the upset.

With this game being in Champaign, Illinois deserves the wager, but laying 3.5 points between these two Big Ten rivals is tricky. Although, there’s more juice to pay, TAKING THE FIGHTING ILLINI (-164) is the safer and better play vs. the betting the spread. Adding the ML play to a parlay would be alright, too.

Against the spread

PASS.

Neither team is good this season. Making a spread wager on either is risky. This will be a rock fight and will end close to the number. No matter who wins, it’s safer to make a ML wager.

Over/Under

BACK UNDER 43.5 (-120).

I already mentioned Nebraska only scores 18.8 PPG. Well, Illinois only averages 21.6 PPG to rank 103rd..

Neither of these offenses is explosive and both will look to run the ball and wind down the clock. Expect an old-fashioned Big Ten slugfest in the trenches with the winner barely getting to 20 points.

UNDER 43.5 (-120) is the value play.

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