Illinois vs. UConn: Predictions and odds for Elite Eight men’s March Madness game

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The UConn Huskies, top-seeded in the NCAA tournament, will face Illinois at TD Garden in the Elite Eight round as they seek back-to-back national championships.

UConn has shown why they are the top team in the March Madness tournament with a thrilling 82-52 win against San Diego State in the Sweet 16. Tristen Newton, who has been leading the Huskies this season in scoring, averaging 15.3 points per game, had an impressive performance with 17 points, seven rebounds, and four assists against San Diego State. Cam Spencer also played a crucial role in getting UConn to the Elite Eight, contributing 18 points and five rebounds in the Sweet 16 win.

No. 3 seed Illinois caused a major upset by defeating No. 2 seed Iowa State 72-68 in a Sweet 16 matchup. Terrence Shannon Jr. led the Fighting Illini with 29 points, while Coleman Hawkins contributed 12 points and six rebounds on Thursday night, sending Illinois to their first Elite Eight appearance since 2005.

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – MARCH 28: Cam Spencer #12 of the Connecticut Huskies celebrates against the San Diego State Aztecs during the second half in the Sweet 16 round of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at TD Garden on March 28, 2024 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

Who is in the Elite 8? Latest March Madness bracket results and updates

Illinois vs. UConn predictions

Docs Sports: Illinois (+9)

Tony Sink writes: “The Illinois Fighting Illini (29-8) are hitting the road to TD Garden on Saturday where they will try to beat the UConn Huskies (34-3) in the Elite 8. Illinois opens as 9-point underdogs. The over/under is 156.”

Peoria Journal Star: UConn 82, Illinois 75

Wes Huett writes: “Illinois beat Iowa State in a contrast of styles, able to have its playmakers execute down the stretch. UConn will be a much larger task for the Illini, who must hope to keep it close enough to give players like Terrence Shannon a chance to be playmakers in big spots. But the Huskies are not the Cyclones, and we think they…

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Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/illinois-vs-uconn-predictions-odds-100824823.html

Author : USA TODAY Sports

Publish date : 2024-03-30 10:08:24

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