The Illinois Fighting Illini have reached the Final Four in the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2005.
They have a Final Four battle with No. 2 seed UConn, a 73-72 winner over No. 1 seed Duke in a stunning, last-second victory on Sunday that instantly joined March Madness lore.
When the 28-8 Illini tip against 33-5 UConn, it will mark the third time in four seasons UConn has reached the Final Four. The Illini have reached the Final Four for the sixth time in their program history and carry a 1-4 all-time record in it.
The odds favor them this time, though, and signs point to a possible Big Ten matchup between Illinois and Michigan in the national title game Monday.
Here are the betting odds, broadcast schedule and a few predictions heading into the game:
Illinois vs. UConn game time
Round: NCAA Final Four
Site: Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, Ind.
Tip-off time: Saturday, 5:09 p.m. Central
Where to watch: TBS/TNT/Tru TV with Ian Eagle, Bill Raftery, Grant Hill, Tracy Wolfson
Where to stream: March Madness Live app, and HBO Max.
Illinois vs. UConn odds, betting info
Odds courtesy of Covers as of Tuesday night, March 31.
If you’re new to sports betting, don’t worry. We have tips for beginners on how to place a bet online. And USA TODAY Network readers can claim exclusive promos and bonus codes with these online sportsbooks and sports betting sites.
Illinois vs UConn basketball predictions
The Journal Star staff makes its picks for Illinois basketball vs. UConn:
Illinois 67, UConn 64: These two programs met in the 2024 Elite Eight with UConn winning by 25 points including a 30-0 run from the Huskies. This national semifinal meeting is also a rematch of the Fighting Illini’s eighth game of the season. Illinois lost that Nov. 28 game, 74-61 at Madison Square Garden despite 25 points by Kylan Boswell. Freshman phenom Keaton Wagler has been a steady offensive presence, dropping 25 in the Elite 8 win over Iowa. However, Andrej Stojakovic has been the X-factor off the bench. He’s averaging 15 points in the NCAA tournament. UConn is back in the Final Four for a third time in four seasons, winning back-to-back titles in 2023 and 2024. Huskies senior center Tarris Reed Jr. has been a monster during the Big Dance, averaging 21.8 points and 13.5 rebounds. — Adam Duvall
Illinois 72, UConn 68: Illinois faces dual demons here with a rough history against UConn and also in the Final Four, but neither may matter if freshman projected NBA lottery pick Keaton Wagler and super-bench star Andrej Stojakovic continue their main character level performances in March. Illini are 1-4 all-time in the Final Four and 1-4 all-time against the Huskies, including a 74-61 neutral site loss in late November. UConn needed an epic March Madness moment to upset Duke and reach this game. The Huskies are riding 6-11, 255-pound big man Tarris Reed Jr., who is averaging a double-double in March Madness at 21.8 ppg, plus 9 blocks and 54 rebounds (13.5rpg), including a 27-rebound game vs Furman. Illinois has no shortage of bigs driving the nation’s No.1 offense. A trip to the national title game is in reach. — Dave Eminian
Dave Eminian is the Journal Star senior writer and sports columnist, and covers Bradley men’s basketball, the Rivermen and Chiefs. He writes the Cleve In The Eve sports column for pjstar.com. He can be reached at deminian@pjstar.com. Follow him on X.com @icetimecleve.
This article originally appeared on Journal Star: March Madness: Illinois vs. UConn predictions for Final Four
Reporting by Dave Eminian and Adam Duvall, Peoria Journal Star / Journal Star
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