Illinois Fighting Illini vs. Iowa State Cyclones – The Sweet 16 of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament brings an electrifying match-up as the Illinois Fighting Illini (28-8) clash with the Iowa State Cyclones (29-7). With both teams showing strong performances throughout the season, this game is poised to be a highlight for live betting in Canada, as fans and bettors alike tune in to see which team will advance to the Elite Eight.
Illinois Fighting Illini vs. Iowa State Cyclones
Date & Time: Thursday, March 28, 2024, at 10:09 PM ET
Location: TD Garden
TV: TBS
Illinois Fighting Illini vs. Iowa State Cyclones Betting Odds
| Team | Moneyline | Spread | Total |
| Illinois | +114 | +2.5 (-112) | 146.5 over (-105) |
| Iowa State | -137 | -2.5 (-107) | 146.5 under (-112) |
Illinois Fighting Illini Analysis
The Illinois Fighting Illini is one offensive powerhouse this season. They are second in the team averaging 84.6 points per game, while its field goal percentage, which is 47.6%, brings the team’s success. With Shannon creating a dynamic big guard on the offensive end, Illinois has had a relentless machine that has spelled success at every point during their season.
Over the course of the season, we have been witnessing a few things the Illini could do better on the defensive end, especially on those games when their scorer couldn’t bail them off with their high scoring offense. Although the make-up of their frontlines is the one area they are best exploited at, with averages of 41 rebounds and 3.8 blocks per game respectively, they have managed to minimize these weaknesses.
For Illini, it has been Terrence Shannon Jr.’s power that has kept their season rolling, with remarkable numbers across the board. This high-stress matchup requires a clutch player, who Luckily is a key player for us due to his knack to perform in such situations.
Iowa State Cyclones Analysis
The Iowa State Cyclones offensive season is arguably having a successful season as they are averaging 75.5 points per game. In most cases, it is a team effort of all the players, who manage to create a unified balance, where Keshon Gilbert along with his performance contributes the most towards the success of the team.
In regards to the defensive aspect, Iowa State got themselves together, where they have been performing particularly well in steals, with 10.3 steals per game. The main reasons behind their triumph were this defensive skill which gave them the possibility to throw others’ attacks off the track and initiated a transitive game.
The performance of Keshon Gilbert who has displayed many facets of his game has played a key role in the success of the Cyclones. Defensively, he is solid, but also the weapon with the goals and the transmission that has made him a key player in Iowa State’s match against Illinois.
Illinois Fighting Illini vs. Iowa State Cyclones Against the Spread
Illinois is among the teams on the road that performed very well in ATS games, especially as they have (been) 9-3 ATS. The fact that they managed to score in their last four games shows that they can play in even hard matches.
Iowa State, even though it has also had a better performance against the spread, with a relatively consistent performance on the road (8-5), is generally faced with a less consistent performance compared to Illinois. Even though the opponents may utilize a tactical defense, this can end up as critical in their success to stay in the game.
Illinois Fighting Illini vs. Iowa State Cyclones Free Pick
Based on odds, trends, team stats, and key players, here are the picks:
Moneyline: Illinois Fighting Illini (+114) – Illinois’ offensive capability, led by Terrence Shannon Jr., is expected to edge past Iowa State’s defense in what promises to be a closely contested game.
Spread: Illinois Fighting Illini +2.5 (-112) – Given Illinois’ ability to perform under pressure and their success against the spread, taking Illinois with the points is a wise choice.
Total: Over 146.5 (-105) – Both teams have demonstrated the ability to score prolifically, and in a high-stakes game, expect both to push the pace, leading to a high-scoring affair.
Predicted Score: Illinois Fighting Illini 76, Iowa State Cyclones 72
The conclusion also outlines the facts that place Illinois ahead of Wisconsin in the college football betting league. If you are looking to score highly on your March Madness betting picks, go with the Illini who possess a deadly offence, and have defeated the odds on many occasions, with most of the times being victorious in the pivotal games.
