It has only been two years since Illinois was in the Elite Eight, and their time in the NCAA Tournament ended this round by the UConn Huskies. This time, Illinois isn't facing UConn, but nine-seed Iowa, but don't let that seeding fool you, the Hawkeyes have been a force to be reckoned with in March.
Illinois has the chance to make the Final Four for the first time since 2005 with a win over Iowa, and they are currently favored to do so. Don't overlook the Hawkeyes, though, because they are sneaky and can suddenly take a lead late and hold onto it for dear life.
Final odds, spread, and total for Iowa vs. Illinois in the Elite Eight
Odds provided by FanDuel Sportsbook
Spread
- Iowa: +6.5 (-102)
- Illinois: -6.5 (-120)
Moneyline
- Iowa: +250
- Illinois: -315
Total
- O/U: 137.5 (-115/-105)
Player specific odds for Iowa vs. Illinois in the Elite Eight in the NCAA Tournament
- Keaton Wagler (ILL): +/- 16.5 points
- David Mirkovic (ILL): +/- 13.5 points
- Andrej Stojakovic I(ILL): +/- 12.5 points
- Kylan Boswell (ILL): +/- 10.5 points
- Tomislav Ivisic (ILL): +/- 8.5 points
- Bennett Stirtz (IOW): +/- 19.5 points
- Cooper Koch (IOW): +/- 9.5 points
- Tavion Banks (IOW): +/- 8.5 points
- Alvaro Folgueriras (IOW): +/- 7.5 points
- Kael Combs (IOW): +/- 6.5 points
Yet again, Keaton Wagler is expected to lead the Fighting Illini in scoring, but their counterparts look to be adding in their fair share of points as well.
For Iowa, it seems like stopping Bennett Stirtz should be the top item on Illinois' list in the Elite Eight. If Iowa has to rely on other scoring, that could book the Fighting Illini their ticket to the Final Four.
Final score prediction: Illinois 79, Iowa 71
Iowa has had a great run in March Madness, but a Final Four appearance for the first time since 1980 just doesn't seem to be in the cards for the Hawkeyes with this prediction. Illinois has really found its stride in March, taking down Houston by beating them at their own game, as well as other teams before that.
While the Hawkeyes seem to be the storied team this NCAA Tournament, I predict Illinois will close the book on this one with a solid win over the Hawkeyes. It will be close, but free throws in the end will bring it home for the Fighting Illini.
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