Illinois Fighting Illini vs
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Exciting East Region Semifinal Matchup: Illinois Fighting Illini to Face Tennessee Volunteers in Sweet 16 Clash

The NCAA Tournament reaches the Sweet 16 stage, with the East Region featuring an exciting semifinal matchup between the 3rd-seeded Illinois Fighting Illini and the 2nd-seeded Tennessee Volunteers. Both teams have advanced with impressive wins in the tournament, with Illinois holding a 28-8 record and Tennessee at 29-7. The game is scheduled for Thursday in Boston at 10:09 PM EST, with Iowa St. opening as the betting favorite at -2 and the current line at Iowa St. -1.5. The winner will move on to the East Region final on Saturday.

Betting Odds

• Moneyline: Fighting Illini +105 | Cyclones -125
• Spread: Fighting Illini +1.5 (-110) | Cyclones -1.5 (-110)
• Total: Over/Under 146 (-110)
• Based on the moneyline, the implied probability that Iowa St. will win straight-up is 56%.

Illinois vs Iowa St. Stats

Illinois Fighting Illini

The Illinois Fighting Illini secured a spot in the Sweet 16 after a convincing win over Duquesne. Terrence Shannon Jr. led the team with 30 points, while Marcus Domask added 22 points and seven assists. The Illini have been on a hot streak, winning nine of their last ten games and averaging 87 points per game in the tournament. Their offense is shooting 57% from the field and nearly 40% from three-point range. Defensively, they are holding teams to just over 40% shooting overall and 33% from beyond the arc. The Illini have a power ranking of 12 and are ranked 9th in offense, scoring an average of 84.56 points per game. Their defense allows an average of 73.36 points per game. Overall, the Fighting Illini have a record of 28-8 and are 10-6 against tournament teams this season. If you're looking for more insights on college basketball, you can check out NCAAB Predictions for additional analysis.

Iowa St. Cyclones Analysis

The Iowa State Cyclones have advanced to the Sweet 16 after defeating Washington State and now face Illinois. Head coach T.J. Otzelberger has led the team to their 7th overall Sweet 16 appearance. The Cyclones are averaging 74.5 points per game in the tournament, shooting 41.5% from the floor and 46% from 3-point range. Their defense has been exceptional, holding opponents to 60.5 points per game and 43% shooting from the field. The Cyclones have a power ranking of 5 and rank #113 for offense, scoring an average of 75.50 points per game. Defensively, they rank #4, giving up an average of 61.25 points per game. They have a field goal percentage of 46.49% and allow opponents to shoot 40.17%. The Cyclones have a 29-7 overall record and are 25-10-1 ATS.

Fighting Illini Poised for Victory in Challenging East Region Matchup

Upon reflection of the East Region of the tournament, it is evident that this region may be considered one of the most challenging within the tournament. Both UConn and the other competing team have strong potential to secure a spot in the Final Four regardless of the opposition. Regrettably, only one team will progress to the Elite Eight following Thursday night's match. The Fighting Illini seem to have a strategic advantage, with a successful formula that has proven effective towards the end of the season. By isolating Shannon and Domask, they have been able to dismantle opposing defenses efficiently. The Illini's impressive shooting percentages of 56% overall and 40% from three-point range in the tournament further support their tactical superiority. While Iowa State boasts a formidable defense, they may struggle with the size and skill of Domask and Shannon. Ultimately, the Illini's physicality and strategic gameplay appear to present a significant obstacle for the Cyclones. In conclusion, considering the matchup styles, it seems favorable to favor the Fighting Illini with the points.

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