Illinois vs. UConn Final 8 Pick ATS

Illinois Fighting Illini (28-8 SU, 21-15-2 ATS) vs. Connecticut Huskies (34-3 SU, 24-13-1 ATS)

Where: TD Garden, Boston, MA (Neutral Site)
When: Saturday, March 30th, 6:09 PM ET
Watch: TBS

Betting Odds:

Point Spread: Illinois +8.5 / UCONN -8.5
Total Points: 155
Money Line: Illinois +296 / UCONN -382

Season Snapshot:

Illinois: Boasting a 28-8 straight-up (SU) record and an impressive 21-15-2 against the spread (ATS), the Fighting Illini are riding an 8-game winning streak. Notably, they’re 4-3 SU as underdogs and have shown a strong propensity for covering the spread in neutral and away settings (9-3-1 ATS).
Connecticut: The Huskies come in with a formidable 34-3 SU record, highlighted by an 11-game winning streak. Despite this game being at a neutral site, their record as favorites is notable, with an ATS record of 24-12-1.

Recent Form:

Illinois managed a 72-69 victory over Iowa State in their last outing, showcasing their fighting spirit even when scoring below their season average. The defensive side looks to be their Achilles’ heel, giving up an average of 73.3 points per game.

UCONN’s last performance was a dominant 82-52 win over San Diego State, proving their defensive mettle by ranking 16th nationwide in points allowed, conceding only 64.3 points per game.

Injury Report:

Illinois is without Max Williams due to an undisclosed issue, a minor blow to their depth. Connecticut enters this matchup relatively healthy, with no significant injuries reported.

Analysis & Trends:

• Illinois’ scoring averages and their performance in recent games hint at their potential to cover the +8.5 spread. Despite the neutral setting, their ability to perform under pressure and against higher-ranked teams could be key.
• Connecticut’s strength lies in their offense and defense, but the neutral venue levels the playing field somewhat. Their lower-than-average scoring in recent matchups could provide Illinois with an opening to keep the game within the spread.

Betting Insights:

Illinois has been strong against the spread, especially in neutral-site scenarios, showcasing their ability to perform in high-pressure situations.

The total points line at 155 seems high considering Connecticut’s recent games haven’t hit those numbers, suggesting a potential under scenario.

Crew’s Pick ATS

Considering Illinois’ knack for covering spreads in neutral and away games, along with Connecticut’s recent dip in high-scoring outputs, Illinois stands a strong chance to cover the +8.5 spread. The game being at a neutral venue may diminish Connecticut’s home advantage, making this matchup even more intriguing. The statistical insights and recent trends lean towards a potentially closer game than the spread suggests, with the under on a 155 total points line also looking like a viable betting angle.
Rolling with Illinois to cover the +8.5 spread seems like a solid bet. This isn’t their first rodeo in a high-stakes, neutral-site showdown. UCONN’s definitely the heavyweight here, but without the home-court edge and facing a resilient Illinois squad, expect a tighter tussle than the Huskies other tournament matches. Take the Lllinois Illini +8.5.