Illinois vs UConn Prediction 4/4/2026 Today’s College Basketball Picks

The Illinois Fighting Illini and UConn Huskies meet Saturday in the college basketball NCAA Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium. Here’s an Illinois vs. UConn Prediction. This article will include an Illinois vs. UConn Pick.

Illinois Fighting Illini Betting Preview

The Illinois Fighting Illini beat Houston and Iowa. Illinois has won 8 of its last 11 games.

The Illinois Fighting Illini are averaging 83.8 points on 46.4 percent shooting and allowing 68.7 points on 40.7 percent shooting. Keaton Wagler is averaging 18.1 points and 5 rebounds, while Andrej Stojakovic is averaging 13.5 points and 4.6 rebounds. Kylan Boswell is the third double-digit scorer and David Mirkovic is grabbing 7.7 rebounds. The Illinois Fighting Illini are shooting 34.8 percent from beyond the arc and 78 percent from the free throw line. The Illinois Fighting Illini are allowing 31.1 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 37.6 rebounds per game.

UConn Huskies Betting Preview

The UConn Huskies beat Michigan State and Duke. UConn has won 11 of its last 14 games.

The UConn Huskies are averaging 78.2 points on 48.4 percent shooting and allowing 65.3 points on 40.1 percent shooting. Tarris Reed Jr. is averaging 14.7 points and 8.8 rebounds, while Solo Ball is averaging 12.9 points and 1.5 assists. Alex Karaban is the third double-digit scorer, and Braylon Mullins is grabbing 3.4 rebounds. The UConn Huskies are shooting 35.7 percent from beyond the arc and 71.1 percent from the free throw line. The UConn Huskies are allowing 30.8 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 33.2 rebounds per game.

Why the Connecticut Huskies will win

• Connecticut has won each of its last 17 games as a top-15 AP-ranked team against an AP-ranked team at neutral venues.
• Illinois has lost four of its last five games against Top 10 AP-ranked opponents at a neutral venue.
• Illinois has lost the first half in four of its last five games against Top 10 AP-ranked opponents at a neutral venue.

Why the Illinois Fighting Illini will win

• Illinois has won each of its last six night games played at neutral venues.

Total Points: Facts

• Each of Connecticut’s last 10 games against the Big Ten Conference at neutral venues has produced a total of 135 or fewer points.
• Twelve of Illinois’ last 14 night games against AP-ranked opponents have produced a total of 144+ points.

Connecticut Huskies Player Facts

• Tarris Reed Jr. is the only Div. 1 player to have recorded a 30-point, 20-rebound game this season.
• Alex Karaban ranks T1st in free throw percentage (100.0%) in this season’s NCAA Tournament (min. 6 attempts).

Illinois Fighting Illini Player Facts

• David Mirkovic ranks 1st amongst Freshmen for total rebounds (44) in this season’s NCAA Tournament.
• Andrej Stojakovic ranks 1st for total points off the bench (60) during this season’s NCAA Tournament.

Matchup/League Facts

• Connecticut has recorded the lowest score in a win during this season’s NCAA Tournament (67 points vs. Michigan State).
• Connecticut has recorded the equal-largest comeback win of any team during this season’s NCAA Tournament—trailing by 19 points vs. Duke.
• Illinois ranks 1st among Division 1 teams for opponent free throws made per game this season (9.0).
• Illinois ranks 1st among Division 1 teams for opponent free throw attempts per game this season (12.3).

Illinois vs UConn Prediction

I’ve been pounding the table for Illinois all season long but I have to take UConn and the free bucket. This is what UConn does in March and Dan Hurley is 17-1 ATS and SU in his last four NCAA Tournaments. His only loss came against Florida by two points, the same team that won the big dance that season. This is a group of guys who have been there done that and I trust them in these moments more. We’re in the business end of the tournament where nerves can play a role. I want the team that’s been on this stage before. Give me the Huskies and the free bucket.

Randy Chambers's Pick: UConn +1.5