Illinois has been going over this tournament and all season. The Illini results are creating a high total. They are finally meeting a team which can slow them down. The Cyclones can really get after it on defense! With Illinois permitting a respectable 66.2 points per game versus non-conference opponents, this total is too high!

The Cyclones are 5-1 to the under in their last 6 NCAA Tournament games. They have allowed 65 or fewer points in 10 straight games. Last game, they limited Washington State to 56. They kept Houston to only 41. Their last 5 opponents are averaging 56 points and hitting 38% of their field goals. Illinois will get more than 56 but not as many as it usually does. Go with the Under!