We have your Illinois Fighting Illini vs. Iowa State Cyclones prop betting and game preview needs covered as the Illinois Fighting Illini hit the road to face the Iowa State Cyclones.
The Illinois Fighting Illini (28-8) are set to battle the Iowa State Cyclones (29-7) in a high-stakes Sweet 16 showdown. With both teams riding impressive winning streaks, Illinois with five and Iowa State with twelve, this matchup promises to be a clash of titans with a spot in the Elite Eight on the line.
Illinois Fighting Illini vs. Iowa State Cyclones Odds Info
Moneyline: Illinois Fighting Illini +105 (BetMGM) / Iowa State Cyclones -125 (BetMGM)
Spread: -1.5 – Illinois Fighting Illini -108 (BetRivers) / Iowa State Cyclones -110 (BetMGM)
Total: 146.0 – -108 (BetPARX) / -110 (Ceasars)
Game Info
Date: Thursday, Mar. 28
Time: 09:09 PM
Location: TD Garden – Boston, MA
TV: TBS/truTV
Illinois Fighting Illini Betting Trends
- On the road, Illinois Fighting Illini are 6 and 5 this season.
- Against the spread this season, Illinois Fighting Illini are 19 and 13.
- Against the spread on the road, Illinois Fighting Illini are 9 and 3.
Iowa State Cyclones Betting Trends
- At home, Iowa State Cyclones are 18 and 0 this season.
- Against the spread this season, Iowa State Cyclones are 24 and 10.
- Against the spread at home, Iowa State Cyclones are 16 and 5.
Illinois Fighting Illini vs. Iowa State Cyclones Predictions
The Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament is heating up as the Illinois Fighting Illini face off against the Iowa State Cyclones at TD Garden in Boston. Illinois, boasting the 5th highest-scoring offense in the nation, averaging 84.6 points per game, is led by guard Terrence Shannon Jr., who has been on a tear with 23.3 points per game. The Fighting Illini’s robust rebounding, ranking 18th nationally, will be crucial against a Cyclones team that prides itself on a tenacious defense, leading the country in adjusted defensive efficiency.
Iowa State, on the other hand, has been unbeatable at home with an 18-0 record but will face a true test against Illinois’ high-powered offense. The Cyclones’ success has been fueled by guard Keshon Gilbert, who leads the team with 13.7 points per game, and forward Tre King, who tops the rebounding charts with 5.3 per game. Their 75.5 points per game offense will need to find ways to penetrate Illinois’ defense, which has shown the ability to lock down opponents when it matters most.
The key matchup to watch will be between Illinois’ offensive playmakers and Iowa State’s defensive stalwarts. The game could very well be decided by which team can impose their style of play on the other. With both teams looking to extend their winning streaks and advance deeper into the tournament, expect a fiercely contested game that highlights the best of college basketball’s March Madness.
Illinois Fighting Illini vs. Iowa State Cyclones Pick
Looking at the betting trends, Illinois has been strong against the spread on the road with a 9-3 record, indicating their ability to perform in unfamiliar territory. Iowa State’s undefeated home record is impressive, but the neutral court at TD Garden levels the playing field, negating the home-court advantage that has been a significant factor in the Cyclones’ success. Additionally, Illinois’ offense, which ranks higher than Iowa State’s in points per game, field goal percentage, and three-point percentage, is likely to be the difference-maker in this matchup. While Iowa State’s defense has been their hallmark, Illinois has shown that they can score against top-tier defenses, making the Illinois Fighting Illini moneyline bet the more compelling choice for this NCAA Tournament showdown.
The Pick: Illinois Fighting Illini +105 (BetMGM)
