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Indiana vs. Illinois Prediction and Odds for Big Ten Quarterfinals (Bet Illini to Roll)

By Reed Wallach

Feb 27, 2022; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini center Kofi Cockburn (21) dunks in
Feb 27, 2022; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini center Kofi Cockburn (21) dunks in / Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
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Indiana's stunning comeback against Michigan on Thursday afternoon has put them squarely on the bubble as they prepare for Illinois on Friday afternoon.

The Hoosiers rallied from down 17 in the second half to upset Michigan and now can lock up a NCAA Tournament berth with a win over Big Ten Tournament No. 1 seed Illinois.

Here are the odds for the Big Ten quarterfinals from WynnBET Sportsbook:

Indiana vs. Illinois Odds, Spread and Total

Spread:

  • Indiana: +5.5 (-110)
  • Illinois: -5.5 (-110)

Moneyline:

  • Indiana: +175
  • Illinois: -220

Total: 136.5 (Over -110/Under -110)

Indiana vs. Illinois Prediction and Pick

While the Hoosiers may have done enough to ensure they make the field of 68, they are in trouble against Illinois. The team doesn't have an answer for Illini big man Kofi Cockburn, who can work down low and also find shooters on the outside.

The Illini have the highest 3-point rate in the Big Ten and the shooters to outpace the Hoosiers sputtering offense. Brad Underwood has two marksmen on the perimeter in Trent Frazier and Alfonso Plummer, while Indiana is 10th in the Big 10 play in adjusted offensive efficiency, per KenPom. The Hoosiers were able to overwhelm the Wolverines with their ball pressure in the second half, but the Illini's ball handling and weapons in the pick-and-roll should hold them off.

This spread has flown from the opener of 3.5 to a more reasonable 5.5-point spread. I still believe Illinois is the side.

I personally used them in a moneyline parlay with Providence as the Hoosiers offense will struggle to keep up their end of the bargain. There is also the concern of Mike Woodson's team keeping their level high enough against an elite team after a herculean comeback on Thursday.

I think Illinois wins this one going away.

PICK: Illinois ML in parlays, lean -6

All of Reed's college basketball plays can be tracked here, his best bets column for college basketball is 93-85-3 for +4.38 units.

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