Illinois vs #8 Alabama: Key Matchup & Best Odds for NCAA Clash (Nov. 20)
Illinois, led by freshmen Will Riley and Tomislav Ivisic, visits #8 Alabama at Legacy Arena in Birmingham. While not technically a home game, it's just 53 minutes from Tuscaloosa, with Alabama favored by 8.5 points.
Key Points:
- Illinois (3-0) brings a strong freshman class after major roster turnover
- Riley (17.7 PPG) and Ivisic (17.3 PPG) lead Illini scoring
- Alabama (3-1) returns key veterans including Mark Sears (21.5 PPG)
- Tide struggled defensively, allowing 56.2% three-point shooting vs Purdue
- Illinois defense holding opponents to 29.2% from three
Best Odds:
- Spread: Illinois +8.5 (-110) at multiple books
- Moneyline: Illinois +290 (ESPN Bet), Alabama -345 (DraftKings)
- Total: Over 167.5 (-115) FanDuel, Under 168.0 (-110) Caesars
Prediction: Take Illinois +8.5. Their strong interior presence with Ivisic, Riley and Humrichous (combined 21.3 RPG) plus solid perimeter defense should keep this competitive against Alabama's suspect defense.
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Game airs on SEC Network at 9:00 PM ET.
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