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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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