The Illinois Fighting Illini are NCAA Tournament bound. And the 2022-23 season is one of the best coaching performances in the career of Brad Underwood. At the onset of the season, Underwood had to work through a profound roster transition. Key players from the past two Big Dance seasons were gone. Thus, the fear that the Fighting Illini was facing a lost season. It is true that Illinois has struggled with consistency. But that can be attributed to a young lineup finding its way. Of great concern is that Michigan has recently brought College Basketball odds value.
Michigan Wolverines vs. Illinois Fighting Illini Betting Information
| Date and Time: | Thursday, March 2, 2023, 7 p.m. ET |
|---|---|
| Location: | State Farm Center, Champaign, Illinois |
| TV Coverage: | ESPN |
| Team | Spread | Total | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Michigan | +4 (-110) | 144 (-110) | +155 |  |
| Illinois | -4 (-110) | 144 (-110) | -175 | |
| ||||
Michigan at Illinois SBG Odds Overview
On the whole, Illinois brings plenty of offshore betting cache to the board. Despite their Sunday loss at Ohio State, the Fighting Illini will draw action. Especially playing on its home court. The Fighting Illini can point to quality wins over the Rutgers Scarlet Knights, Texas Longhorns, and UCLA Bruins as proof of their Big Dance worth. And gamblers are attracted to that.
Michigan is coming off a rousing overtime win over Wisconsin. Most important of all, the Wolverines are tournament bound. Michigan has frustrated gamblers with its inconsistency. But the Wolverines are respected for their ability.
Michigan Wolverines Team Overview
Overall, the Michigan Wolverines are 17-12 straight up, 15-13-1 against the spread, and 16-13 over/under the total. Michigan has national metrics of 138th for scoring offense, 163rd for field goal percentage, 177th for 3-point field goal percentage, 220th for free throw percentage, and 70th for offensive rebounding. While on defense, Michigan is 144th for scoring defense, 105th for field goal percentage permitted, 77th for 3-point field goal percentage allowed, and 255th for defensive rebounding.
Late on, Michigan got the money in six of its previous nine games. The Wolverines went under the total in three of their last five starts. Hunter Dickinson leads Michigan with 17.6 points and 8.6 rebounds per contest.
Illinois Fighting Illini Team Overview
The Illinois Fighting Illini are 19-10 straight up, 17-12 against the spread, and 12-16 over/under the total. In sum, Illinois has national rankings of 121st for scoring offense, 158th for field goal percentage, 331st for 3-point field goal percentage, 310th for free throw percentage, and 24th for offensive rebounding. While on defense, Illinois is 61st for scoring defense, 44th for field goal percentage permitted, 141st for 3-point field goal percentage allowed, and 101st for defensive rebounding.
Illinois failed to cover four of its previous five games. Also, the Fighting Illini went under the total in three of its previous four games. Illinois is coming off a stunning 72-60 loss at the Ohio State Buckeyes on Sunday. Consider that Ohio State is one of the worst teams in the Big Ten Conference. Terrence Shannon Jr leads the Fighting Illini with 17.1 points per game.
Michigan at Illinois SBG Free Picks
In this situation, Illinois will be highly motivated to atone for their NCAABB betting loss at Ohio State. On the other hand, Michigan faces a likely letdown spot after their OT win over Wisconsin. Michigan’s public popularity will keep the Illinois price at a reasonable level.
Michigan at Illinois SBG Best Bet: Illinois Fighting Illini.