| MATCHUP | Iowa Hawkeyes | Illinois Fighting Illini |
|---|---|---|
| Team Records | 24-12 | 27-8 |
| Spread | +7.5 -118 | -7.5 -102 |
| Moneyline | +245 | -305 |
| Total | Over 137.5 (-112) | Under 137.5 (-108) |
| Where | Illinois Stadium | |
| When | Saturday, March 28, 2026 | |
| Time | 06:09 PM EDT | |
| TV | TBS | |
Illinois Fighting Illini Preview
The Illinois Fighting Illini have a 27-8 overall record and a 15-5 record in the Big Ten. They are coming off a 65-55 win against Houston and their previous three games were a 76-55 win against VCU, a 105-70 win against Penn and a 91-88 loss against Wisconsin.
Offensively, Illinois averages 84.2 points per game, while allowing 69 points per game defensively. The Fighting Illini shoot with 46% from the field and grab 41.1 rebounds per game, while dishing out 14.7 assists per game. They average 4.6 blocks per game and 3.7 steals per game defensively.
Keaton Wagler leads Illinois in scoring, with an average of 17.7 points per game, while shooting with 44.4% from the field and 78.9% from the free throw line, adding a team-high 4.3 assists. David Mirkovic is the team’s leading rebounder with 8 rebounds per game.
Iowa Hawkeyes Preview
The Iowa Hawkeyes have a 24-12 overall record and a 10-10 record in the Big Ten. They are coming off a 77-71 win against Nebraska and their previous three games were a 73-72 win against Florida, a 67-61 win against Clemson and a 72-69 loss against Ohio State.
Offensively, Iowa averages 75 points per game, while allowing 66.1 points per game defensively. The Hawkeyes shoot with 49% from the field and grab 29.6 rebounds per game, while dishing out 15.1 assists per game. They average 1.9 blocks per game and 6.9 steals per game defensively.
Bennett Stirtz leads Iowa in scoring, with an average of 19.7 points per game, while shooting with 47.7% from the field and 84.5% from the free throw line, adding a team-high 4.4 assists. Tavion Banks is the team’s leading rebounder with 4.7 per game.
Iowa Hawkeyes @ Illinois Fighting Illini Betting Trends: March 28, 2026
Why the Illinois Fighting Illini will win
- Illinois has won each of its last 13 March games as an AP-ranked team against a non-AP-ranked team.
- Iowa has lost 16 of its last 19 games against AP-ranked opponents.
- Illinois has won the first half in each of its last 21 night games against non-AP-ranked opponents.
Why the Iowa Hawkeyes will win
- Iowa has won seven of its last eight games played at neutral venues.
- Iowa has won the first half in three of its last four night games played at neutral venues.
Total Points Facts
- Each of Iowa’s last 12 games against Conference opponents at neutral venues have produced a total of 139+ points.
- Fifteen of Illinois’ last 16 games against Conference opponents at neutral venues have produced a total of 143+ points.
Matchup/League Facts
- Illinois ranks 365th among Division 1 teams for steals per game this season (3.7).
- Illinois ranks 365th among Division 1 teams for opponent turnovers per game this season (7.8).
- Iowa ranks 365th among Division 1 teams for pace this season (62.2).
- Iowa ranks T1st for bench points per game (25.0) among the remaining teams in this season’s NCAA Tournament.
Iowa vs Illinois Prediction
In this Iowa vs Illinois Prediction, Illinois is coming as -7 favorites. Both teams have been excellent in the NCAA Tournament so far, as they have won and covered all of their three games played but Iowa was 1-4 both straight up and against the spread in its 5 games before that span. They have a slightly better defense, but Illinois has a superior offense, scoring 9.2 points per game more and have been dominating Iowa historically, having won 9 of their last 10 meetings, including a 6-point road victory earlier this season. Take Illinois and lay the -7 points in this one.