Xavier vs Illinois March Madness Odds: Fighting Illini Favored in First-Round Clash
The 11th-seeded Xavier Musketeers (22-11) will face the 6th-seeded Illinois Fighting Illini (21-12) in the NCAA Tournament Round of 64, with Illinois opening as 2.5-point favorites.
Two NBA players battling for ball
Opening Odds:
- Illinois: -155 (60.78% win probability)
- Xavier: +130 (43.48% win probability)
- Total: 156.5 points
Xavier's Recent Performance:
- Won First Four game vs Texas 86-80
- Marcus Foster led with 22 points
- Had won 7 straight before Big East Tournament loss
- Average 78.4 PPG, allow 72.2 PPG
Illinois Overview:
- 12-8 in Big Ten play
- 7th toughest schedule nationally
- Led by freshman Kasparas Jakucionis (15.0 PPG)
- Play at 18th-fastest tempo in Division I
- Average 83.8 PPG (12th in nation)
- Allow 74.6 PPG
Key Factors:
- Illinois has five players averaging double figures
- Xavier showed resilience in First Four comeback
- KenPom projects 82-77 Illinois victory
- Line movement likely to favor Illinois
- Total may increase slightly from 156.5
The game tips off Friday at 9:45 PM ET at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee.