Illinois vs Xavier Prediction, Preview & Odds: NCAA Tournament First Round

Illinois vs Xavier How To Watch

Date: Friday, March 21
Venue: Fiserv Forum, Milwaukee, WI
Time: 9:45 pm ET
TV: CBS
Teams: (11) Xavier (22-11), 6) Illinois (21-12)
Region: Midwest
NCAA Tournament Schedule, Predictions, Previews

Why Xavier Will Win

How did Xavier come back to beat Texas? It hit threes and more threes, making 12 of its 25 tries, but that’s not new.

The Musketeers are one of the best three point shooting teams in the country. They’re great on the line, they’re excellent around the basket, and it all starts from an offense that’s fantastic at moving the ball around.

With Illinois, it’s ALL about the three.

It has the size and ability to do other things, but when it doesn’t make at least 25% from the outside it’s 2-9. However …

Why Illinois Will Win

Xavier only allowed fewer than 25% from the outside in five games, and twice were against a St. John’s team that’s strangely horrific at shooting a basketball.

This isn’t a greet defensive Xavier team, and it’s just okay on the boards. Illinois eats rebounds like M&Ms - it’s second in the nation in defensive boards and six overall in rebounding margin.

It has the size to be a bother on the inside. For the most part, the system is simple. Jack up a bajillion threes - a whopping 30 a game - get the rebound, and do something more productive. Usually that works, but …

Illinois vs Xavier: Who Will Win?

The Illinois style is insane.

There are no takeaways from a defense that goes through strange lulls, and it’s 315th in the nation at making threes. So you’d think this bunch would keep attacking the rim with its personnel - nope.

Again, when it works, look out. When it doesn’t it’s a bad, bad loss. It’ll get by this round, and if it gets Kentucky next, get your popcorn ready.

Illinois vs Xavier Prediction, Betting Lines

Prediction: Illinois 83, Xavier 78
Illinois vs Xavier Betting Lines
BetMGM Line: Illinois -3.5, o/u: 159.5
DraftKings Line: Illinois -3.5, o/u: 159.5
FanDuel Line: Illinois -3.5, o/u: 159.5
ATS Confidence out of 5: 2

First Look Quick Analysis, Predictions
East | Midwest | South | West
Fiu Bluesky | CFN Bluesky | CFN X | CFN FB

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.