Heading into the frenzy of March Madness, Illinois (26-8, 14-6 Big Ten) might be flying under the radar despite clinching the Big Ten tournament. However, don’t be fooled; the Fighting Illini are packed with formidable talent that could make a deep push into the NCAA Tournament.
Terrence Shannon Jr., Marcus Domask, Coleman Hawkins, and Quincy Guerrier form a quartet that rivals any in the nation. Illinois boasts a high-octane offense that thrives without an over-dependence on the three-pointer, yet they’re clutch when it matters most.
Their versatile scoring ability becomes a critical advantage in slow-paced game situations. The lingering doubt, however, surrounds their defense’s capability to secure the stops necessary for a prolonged tournament journey, given their inconsistent performances throughout the season.
Morehead State (26-8, 14-4 OVC), on the other hand, poses a threat to any contender it faces. Spearheaded by guard Riley Minix’s explosive scoring and complemented by a capable supporting cast of guards, the Eagles present a formidable challenge.
Excelling in effective field goal percentage both offensively and defensively, Morehead State ranks impressively in the top 40 and top 10, respectively. Their prowess in the paint and vigilant three-point line defense—whether it’s actively contesting shots or hindering their attempts—solidifies their defensive strategy.
The Eagles have mastered the art of game control, backed by a squad brimming with confidence, making them a potential tournament dark horse.
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No. 14 Morehead State-No. 3 Illinois Odds & Details
- Date: Thursday, March 21, 2024
- Time: 3:10 p.m. ET
- Watch: TruTV
- Location: CHI Heath Center Arena; Omaha, NE
- Spread: Morehead State +11.5 (+100), Illinois -11.5 (-120)
- Moneyline: Morehead State (+575), Illinois (-900)
- Total: Over/Under 147.5 (-110, -110)
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Morehead State vs Illinois Betting Preview
Diving into the whirlwind of college basketball, the most unpredictable challenges often come from mid-major teams that have ruled over weaker conferences with unexpected prowess. Enter Morehead State, a team that, while not overwhelmingly dominant in their win-loss record, firmly established themselves as the top contender in their league.
Despite only securing the No. 3 seed in the Ohio Valley Tournament, the Eagles were undeniably the apex predators of their conference. The landscape of the OVC shifted dramatically with the exit of heavyweights Belmont and Murray State, leaving Bart Torvik’s rankings to place the conference 29th out of 32.
The illustrious Big Ten sits proudly in second place, setting the stage for a captivating 3/14 matchup. Morehead State steps into the tournament with a top 10 ranking in effective field goal percentage defense, including formidable standings in 3-point and 2-point defense metrics.
However, according to Torvik, they’re up against the 338th-ranked schedule strength, having faced tough losses against Alabama, Purdue, and Penn State.
Under the guidance of the highly esteemed coach Preston Spradlin, Morehead State has shown brilliance, yet they’re up against an Illinois team that boasts a remarkable synergy on the court.
The Illini may have struggled with forcing turnovers and lagged in 3-point defense, but those issues seem minor in the face of this particular challenge.
Illinois is expected to dominate the rebounding game and showcase excellence in both offensive and defensive effective field goal percentage, all while competing in a top-40 schedule.
While Morehead State is notorious for its reliance on 3-point shooting, Illinois is prepped and ready, not letting past performances of Big Ten teams dictate their expectations.
Illinois is the favorite for a reason, though I don’t believe they’ll cover the spread.
PREDICTION: Illinois wins 84-78
BET: Morehead State +11.5 (+100)
BET: Over 147.5 (-110)
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