This No. 3 vs. No. 14 matchup features two teams with identical records (26-8), but the similarities end there as Illinois is a double-digit favorite in this one. While Morehead State is the Ohio Valley Conference champion, it has a bit of a mountain to climb as it attempts to blow up most brackets with an upset against the Fighting Illini.
Let’s dig in and see what kind of betting value we can find in this opening round East Region matchup, along with our top March Madness betting promos.
📈 Illinois vs. Morehead State Odds
Illinois vs. Morehead State odds are current as of Thursday at noon ET at BetMGM Sportsbook.
- Moneyline: Illinois (-650), Morehead State (+475)
- Spread: Illinois -10.5 (-115), Morehead State +10.5 (-105)
- Total Points: Over 146.5 (-105), Under 146.5 (-115)
While I think Illinois will win, I don’t think it’s the best bet to cover as it has gone 4-6 against the spread when favored by more than 11 points. It is 11.5 favorites on DraftKings, so this is a great opportunity to lock in Morehead State at -105 odds to carry over its OVC success and cover against Illinois.
✅ Illinois vs. Morehead St Best Bet
Over 146.5 (-105)
BetMGM Sportsbook • 1 Unit
The Fighting Illini have been in games that have gone Over this total 24 times this season, while the Eagles have been in games that have done so eight times. That doesn’t make this a lock to go Over, but our March Madness odds give us a great opportunity here as these teams have combined for an average of almost 159 points per game this season.
That doesn’t translate into an automatic Over here, but it gives us a nice margin of error to play with.
🔮 Illinois vs. Morehead State Prediction
Illinois 82, Morehead State 72
The implied score for this game is Fighting Illini 80, Eagles 68, but I think we’re going to see a slightly closer matchup than the implied score and spread would indicate. While Illinois is fresh off winning the Big Ten, Morehead State is no slouch and should be able to ride Riley Minix to a respectable effort in this opening-round game after he averaged 20.5 points and 9.9 rebounds per game on the season.
💰 Illinois vs. Morehead State Betting Promos
Now that the madness is staring us in the face, it’s time to take advantage of bad betting lines with the top March Madness sportsbook promos across the industry.
BetMGM Illinois-Morehead State March Madness Promo
BetMGM has a great promo that gives new users $150 in bonus bets regardless of whether or not your first wager wins or loses. If you sign up using promo code LWOS and then make your first bet that is at least $5, you’ll get $150 of bonus bets in your account whether you win or lose that first bet.
With the low-risk offer here, it’s a great way to put some money on Morehead State to keep things close and cover – while not going all-in on it to pull out the upset.
DraftKings Illinois-Morehead State March Madness Promo
DraftKings has a great new player promo as well where all you have to do is register for a new account and deposit $5 in order to get your first wager back in bonus funds. And it only requires a $1 minimum bet.
Seeing as you can get your first wager back in bonus funds, this promo offer is a low-risk way to take a shot on Morehead State upsetting Illinois with +575 odds on DraftKings.
bet365 Illinois-Morehead State March Madness Promo
bet365 is giving new players a great promo that allows them the option to choose between two offers of a first bet safety net or a Bet $5, Get $150. If you use the bonus code LWOS, you can then choose your offer.
This is a great way to, again, take a shot on Morehead State covering where you can still use your bonus even if you don’t win your bet.
📋 How To Claim Illinois vs. Morehead State Betting Promos
- Click to find your preferred Illinois vs. Morehead March Madness sportsbook.
- Start the registration process. Enter your name, address, and other necessary information.
- Create a unique password for your account.
- Make your first deposit.
- Place your bet.
- Once your bet has settled, you will receive your bonus as long as you’ve satisfied the requirements.
