Xavier vs Illinois March Madness Odds: Illini Favored Against Surging Musketeers
#11 Xavier Musketeers (22-11) face #6 Illinois Fighting Illini (21-12) in the NCAA Tournament's round of 64 on Friday at 9:45 pm ET at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee.
Two NBA players battling for ball
Current Odds:
- Illinois: -2.5 points, -155 moneyline (60.78% win probability)
- Xavier: +130 underdog (43.48% win probability)
- Total: 156.5 points
Xavier's Recent Performance:
- Won First Four game vs Texas 86-80
- Won 7 straight games before Big East Tournament
- Notable players:
- Zach Freemantle: 17.3 PPG, 7.1 RPG
- Ryan Conwell: 16.8 PPG
- Marcus Foster: 22 points vs Texas
Illinois Overview:
- 12-8 in Big Ten play
- 7th toughest schedule nationally
- Averages 83.8 PPG (12th in Division I)
- Plays at 18th-fastest tempo
- Led by freshman Kasparas Jakucionis (15.0 PPG, 5.6 RPG, 4.6 APG)
Key Factors:
- Illinois has 5 players averaging double figures
- Xavier plays more methodically (78.4 PPG)
- KenPom projects 82-77 Illinois victory
- Line expected to move toward Illinois
- Both teams entering after conference tournament losses
Recent Form:
- Illinois: Won 4 straight quality games before Big Ten Tournament loss
- Xavier: Hot streak ended with close loss to Marquette in Big East Tournament
This matchup features contrasting styles: Illinois's up-tempo offense against Xavier's more controlled approach. Illinois's depth and pace make them slight favorites, but Xavier's recent form suggests they could keep it close.