A clear difference can be seen this year with the Fighting Illini. Coach Brad Underwood’s rebuilding project has taken longer than expected. Underwood faced resistance from the players he inherited upon taking over. Now with the majority of the roster comprised of his recruits Illinois is en route to March Madness. Underwood’s strong defense will be a stark contrast to the freewheeling Iowa Hawkeyes. Coach Fran McCaffery’s team bases their College Basketball bets‘ success on outscoring opponents. Additionally, center Luka Garza is the most dominant player in the Big Ten. And a national Player of the Year candidate.
Iowa Hawkeyes vs. Illinois Fighting Illini
| Date and Time: | Sunday, March 8, 2020, 4:30 p.m. ET |
|---|---|
| Location: | State Farm Center, Champaign, Illinois |
| Iowa vs. Illinois TV Coverage: | BTN |
| College Basketball Bet odds at SBG: | Click Here |
Iowa Hawkeyes vs. Illinois Fighting Illini Overview
Despite recent success, the Fighting Illini have not seen it translate into much offshore betting value. Illinois is 20-9 straight up, 14-13-1 versus the odds and 10-16-2 under the total. National metrics have the Fighting Illini ranked 137th in scoring offense and 53rd for points allowed. As a result of their improvement, Illinois has closed within the lead of the Big Ten Conference. Head coach Brad Underwood signed a new extension this week due to his superb orchestration of the rebuild. To show, the Fighting Illini are back much quicker than anyone could have expected.
By contrast, the Hawkeyes covered four of their last five games. Iowa is 20-10 straight up, 18-9-3 against the spread and 13-17 under the total. Overall, Fran McCaffery’s team ranks 29th in the country in scoring offense and 258th for points allowed. The defense remains the elephant in the room as far as Iowa’s post-season ability.
Key Hawkeyes: C Luka Garza (23.7 PTS, 9.9 REB, 1.1 AST, 54.0 FGPCT, 64.6 FTPCT, 35.8 3PPCT), G Joe Wieskamp (14.3 PTS, 6.1 REB, 1.5 AST, 43.3 FGPCT, 85.3 FTPCT, 34.7 3PPCT)
Key Fighting Illini: G Ayo Dosunmu (16.4 PTS, 4.2 REB, 3.1 AST, 48.0 FGPCT, 76.8 FTPCT, 30.0 3PPCT), C Kofi Cockburn (13.6 REB, 9.0 REB, 0.6 AST, 53.1, 67.3 FTPCT, 0.0 3PPCT)
Iowa and Illinois Against the Spread
The Hawkeyes Are:
- 5-9 against the spread in their last 14 away games
- 4-6 under the total on the road
- 7-5 versus the odds in their last 12 games at Illinois
- 6-4 over the total head to head versus the Illini at State Farm Center
- 8-5-1 on the board in their last 14 games as a dog
- 6-7 under the total when getting points
The Fighting Illini Are:
- 7-6-1 against the spread as a favorite
- 4-7 under then total when laying points
- 4-9-1 with the line in their last 14 games against Iowa
- 3-6 under the total head to head with the Hawkeyes
- 7-5-1 on the board at the State Farm Center
- 3-7 under the total in their last 10 home games
Iowa Hawkeyes Vs. Illinois Fighting Illini College Basketball Bets Picks
As mentioned earlier Iowa has been a poor College Basketball Bets value on the road. Further, the Illini have a defense that should frustrate the Hawkeyes. Especially in a Senior Night showdown with March Madness seeding at stake!
Iowa vs. Illinois College Basketball Bet Pick: Illinois Fighting Illini
Iowa vs. Illinois College Basketball Bets Score Prediction: Illinois 76, Iowa 70