Illinois Fighting Illini (28-8) vs. Iowa State Cyclones (29-7)
The Sweet 16 period of the NCAA Men’s Basketball tournament lines up the highly anticipated battle between the Illinois Fighting Illini and Iowa State Cyclones. With both teams holding a dazzling record, the match between them will definitely be very interesting and will keep both fans and gamblers on their toes simultaneously. One goal of this game is to highlight the best teams that have played all season long, but it is also a highlight for fans who follow the best online betting sites.
The offensively potent Illinois Fighting Illini have proved to be a formidable force on the court this season averaging 84.6 points per game. Illinois has a strong field goal percentage of 47.6% and a 35.3% three-point shooting, which points to their efficient scoring, and it is also supported by their average of 41 rebounds per game. Their defensive plays, which featured 4.3 steals and 3.8 blocks per game, played a crucial role in keeping them [a] team winning streak rolling.
While the Iowa State Cyclones on the other side are having an offensive and a defensive flair. For the past season, the team averaged 75.5 points and a field goal percentage of 46.5%. They demonstrated that they could effectively convert plays into scores. Their defense stands out, letting down an average of 10.3 steals per game that is an evidence of the aggressive play style. This mixture of offensive game plan and extended defense has become an important factor in the team’s winning record.
Illinois Fighting Illini vs. Iowa State Cyclones Game Info
| When: | Thursday, March 28, 2024 at 10:09 PM ET |
| Where: | TD Garden |
| TV: | TBS |
| Stream: | Sofascore |
Terrence Shannon Jr. (Guard) vs. Keshon Gilbert (Guard)
Terrence Shannon Jr. has been a tower of strength for Illinois, he storms into the court like a barbarian, scoring an average of 23.3 points per game. The overall performance of Illini, including his team 48.1% field goal percentage, and ability to steal the ball (1 steal per game), demonstrate his key role in Illinois’ success. Shannon may prove to be a key player for us by playing as good in defense as she does in offense against Iowa State.
Iowa State’s strategy has Keshon Gilbert as a vital aspect, scoring up to 13.7 points per game and also has a remarkable assist-to-turnover ratio. His defensive abilities, which have been captured by 1.9 steals per game, can be said to be the most crucial things in the Hawkeyes’ campaign. Whether it will turn out to be a convincing triumph or a thrilling match depends on whether Shannon Jr is able to outplay Gilbert.
Shannon Jr, just like Gilbert, is going to be the defender’s big headache since they are going to test each other’s ability. They are heading into the match with a remarkable skill set which might further enable their teams to gain more advantage against the opposition.
NCAAB Odds/Point Spread: Iowa State Cyclones -137, Total Odds: 146.5
The current betting odds favor the Iowa State Cyclones slightly, reflecting their consistent performance throughout the season. However, the game’s total odds suggest an expectation of a high-scoring affair, aligning with both teams’ offensive capabilities.
Illinois Fighting Illini Betting Trends
The Illinois Fighting Illini has provided a good opportunity for the bettors, especially away games as they have a record of 9-3 against the spread. Their talent of exceeding the game totals, a total OVER in 13 of their last 21 home games, indicates how good their offense is in scoring.
Iowa State Cyclones Betting Trends
Similarly, the Iowa State Cyclones always bring value to the betting table and they are 8-5 on the road games against the spread. Unlike most teams, they don’t adopt an offensive strategy, but they keep their opponents’ scoring down as only one of the last five games that they have played went OVER the total.
Illinois Fighting Illini vs. Iowa State Cyclones 3/28/24 Betting Picks
Considering the statistical data and betting habits, it is anticipated that the coming match will end with an outcome that favors the one-point margin. Nevertheless, the aggressive Illinois playmaking combined with maintaining composure when large games are at stake gives them an upper hand.
While Iowa State deserves praise for their good defense and prudent game plan, it appears Illinois has the scoring arsenal and staying power to get the better of them. Concerning expert March Madness predictions, we believe exceeding the spread by Illinois as well as going OVER the total should be taken under consideration because both sides play defense well.
