Illinois vs Alabama Odds, Predictions, Preview: No. 8 Alabama Hosts Undefeated Illini in Birmingham Showdown (Nov. 20)
The Illinois Fighting Illini (3-0) face #8 Alabama (3-1) at Legacy Arena in Birmingham on Wednesday at 9:00 PM ET on SEC Network. Despite significant roster turnover, Illinois has started strong behind freshmen Will Riley (17.7 PPG) and Tomislav Ivisic (17.3 PPG).
Key Points:
- Illinois has dominated weaker opponents but faces first real test
- Alabama returns key veterans Mark Sears (21.5 PPG) and Grant Nelson (11.9 PPG)
- Tide struggling defensively, ranked 111th in KenPom last season
- Illinois limiting opponents to 29.2% from three-point range
- Illinois' size advantage with Ivisic (7'1), Riley (6'8), and Humrichous (6'9)
Best Odds:
- Spread: Illinois +8.5 (-110)
- Moneyline: Illinois +290, Alabama -345
- Total: Over 167.5 (-115), Under 168.0 (-110)
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Keys to the Game:
- Illinois' strong perimeter defense vs Alabama's three-point shooting
- Battle in the post with Illinois' size advantage
- Alabama's defensive struggles could be exploited
- Experience vs youth matchup between veteran Tide and freshman-led Illini
The game appears closer than the spread suggests, with Illinois' defensive prowess and size advantages potentially keeping them competitive against Alabama's high-powered offense.