Xavier vs Illinois March Madness Odds: #6 Illini Favored Over Surging Musketeers
The #11 Xavier Musketeers (22-11) will face the #6 Illinois Fighting Illini (21-12) in the NCAA Tournament's first round after Xavier's First Four victory over Texas. The game tips off Friday at 9:45 pm ET at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee.
Two NBA players battling for ball
Opening Odds
- Illinois: -2.5 (-155, 60.78% win probability)
- Xavier: +2.5 (+130, 43.48% win probability)
- Total: 156.5
Xavier's Recent Form
- Won seven straight games before Big East Tournament
- Defeated Texas 86-80 in First Four comeback victory
- Marcus Foster led with 22 points against Texas
- Leading scorer Zach Freemantle (17.3 PPG) held to 15 points
Illinois Overview
- 12-8 in Big Ten play
- 7th toughest schedule nationally
- Plays at 18th-fastest tempo in Division I
- Averages 83.8 PPG (12th in nation)
- Led by freshman Kasparas Jakucionis (15.0 PPG)
- Five players average double-figure scoring
Key Statistics
- Xavier: 78.4 PPG scored, 72.2 PPG allowed
- Illinois: 83.8 PPG scored, 74.6 PPG allowed
- KenPom projection: Illinois 82, Xavier 77
Line Movement Prediction Line expected to move in Illinois' favor, with total potentially increasing slightly from 156.5. Illinois' combination of pace and scoring ability makes them slight favorites despite Xavier's recent strong form.
The winner advances to face the winner of the 3-14 matchup in the second round of the NCAA Tournament.