Xavier vs Illinois March Madness Matchup: Illini Favored in Round of 64 Clash
The #11 Xavier Musketeers (22-11) face the #6 Illinois Fighting Illini (21-12) in the NCAA Tournament's first round after Xavier's First Four victory over Texas. The game tips off Friday at 9:45 pm ET at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee.
Two NBA players battling for ball
Current Odds:
- Illinois: -2.5 points (-155 moneyline, 60.78% win probability)
- Xavier: +2.5 points (+130 moneyline, 43.48% win probability)
- Total: 156.5 points
Xavier's Recent Performance:
- Won 7 straight games before losing to Marquette in Big East Tournament
- Defeated Texas 86-80 in First Four comeback victory
- Standout performers vs Texas: Marcus Foster (22 points), Zach Freemantle (15 points)
- Season averages: 78.4 PPG scored, 72.2 PPG allowed
Illinois Overview:
- Finished 12-8 in Big Ten play
- Played 7th toughest schedule nationally
- Won 4 straight quality games before Big Ten Tournament loss
- Led by freshman Kasparas Jakucionis (15.0 PPG, 5.6 RPG, 4.6 APG)
- Season averages: 83.8 PPG scored (12th in DI), 74.6 PPG allowed
- Plays at 18th-fastest tempo in Division I
Line Movement Projection:
- KenPom projects: Illinois 82, Xavier 77
- Line likely to move toward Illinois
- Total may increase slightly from 156.5
Key Factors:
- Xavier enters with momentum from First Four win
- Illinois has superior offensive firepower
- Both teams coming off conference tournament losses
- Contrasting styles: Illinois's fast pace vs Xavier's methodical approach
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