The Fighting Illini are fighting for their NCAA Tournament life. Expect Illinois to give the Badgers a fight this afternoon when the Big Ten rivals meet at Conseco Fieldhouse.
The Fighting Illini are squarely on the bubble and cannot afford to look bad for a second-straight time against the Badgers when the two Big Ten foes square off today at Conseco Fieldhouse.
Wisconsin won by 15 points in Champaign on Sunday, and that loss put Illinois among the last four in the bubble column with regards to the bracket. That being said, Illinois has better talent then Wisconsin and if the Illini make shots from the arc they are a tough team to beat.
Let’s not forget that this Illini team went into Madison and handed the Badgers their only Kohl Center loss this season on Feb. 9. Illinois took Wisconsin down, 63-56, as a nine-point underdog,
Demetri McCamey paced the Illini with 27 points and Mike Tisdale added 19. Illinois shot over 53 percent in the game and won the battle on the glass, 32-25.
Illinois is 20-9 ATS in its last 29 games on Friday. Wisconsin is just 2-5 ATS in their last seven neutral site games.
Desperation leads to excellence for the Illini and it would not surprise me if they win this game straight up. Getting this many points is just an added bonus.
Free Pick: Illinois +8 (-110)
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