Illinois March Madness Schedule (When do the Illini Play?)

As a No. 1 seed in 2021, the Illinois Fighting Illini bowed out early to the No. 8 seed Loyola Chicago Ramblers in the second round a season ago.

Now, as a No. 4 seed, they'll look to avoid another early upset against the 13-seeded Chattanooga Mocs in the Midwest region.

Here are the details for the Illini's first round matchup:

Illinois March Madness Schedule

Illinois debuts their NCAA Tournament run at PPG Points Arena Arena on Friday afternoon at 7:50 PM EST.

Should they advance, they will face the winner of the No. 5 Houston Cougars against the No. 12 seeded UAB Blazers.

Chatanooga vs. Illinois Odds, Spread and Total

Spread:

• Chattanooga +8 (-110)
• Illinois: -8 (-110)

Moneyline:

• Chattanooga +290
• Illinois: -370

Total: 136 (Over -110/Under -110)

Chattanooga vs. Illinois Prediction and Pick

If case you may have forgotten, the Mocs made their entrance into the dance in statement fashion with a buzzer beater for the ages in the Southern Conference Tournament.

The Mocs are a quality team, ranked No. 68 in overall KenPom ratings with the 55th most efficient adjusted offense in the country. The Illini, despite collecting the top seed in the Big Ten fell in their opening round to No. 9 Indiana in the Big Ten Tournament. Could they be on upset alert?

I don't think so.

Illinois has been an excellent all-around team all season, ranking as a top 20 and 30 adjusted efficiency squad on both ends of the floor. They also will have last year's second round loss as one of the top teams in the country fresh in the back of their mind.

With everyone leading towards the Mocs, I believe this is the time to fade the public and back Illinois to lock down and cover in Round 1.

LEAN: Illinois -8 (-110)

Odds courtesy of WynnBET Sportsbook