Expert prediction
NCAA Elite Eight: Iowa vs Illinois Preview, Odds, Predictions (March 28)
Pick rationale
Analysis & key factors
- The Hawkeyes stunned Nebraska in the Sweet 16.
- The Fighting Illini eliminated Houston in the Round of 16.
- This marks the 173rd all-time matchup between the two squads.
The Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Tournament gets underway as the Iowa Hawkeyes duel with the Illinois Fighting Illini. The latter comes out as the slight favorite as both Big Ten teams compete for the right to move on to the Final Four of March Madness.
How to Watch
- When: Saturday, March 28, 6:09 pm ET
- Where: Toyota Center, Houston, Texas
- How to Watch: truTV/TBS
NCAA Matchup Odds & Lines
| Team | Odds | Spread | Totals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Iowa | -114 | +7 | O139 |
| Illinois | -106 | -7 | U139 |
Game Preview
The Hawkeyes (24-12) make their way to the Elite Eight of March Madness after eliminating Clemson, Florida and Nebraska in the process. Bennett Stirtz led Iowa with 20 points on 7-of-15 shooting while adding four assists in 40 minutes of action. Tate Sage posted a career-high 19 points and eight rebounds, shooting 6-of-10 from the field and 4-of-7 from 3-point range. Alvaro Folgueiras added 16 points on 6-of-7 shooting, while Cooper Koch added 11 points, five rebounds, and two steals. This marks Iowa’s first Elite Eight appearance since 1987.
The Fighting Illini (27-8) cruised their way to the Elite Eight after taking down Penn, VCU and Houston in the first three rounds. David Mirkovic and Keaton Wagler each posted double-doubles to lead the Illini, with Mikrovic going for 14 points and 10 rebounds, while Wagler had 13 points and a game-high and career-high 12 boards. Illinois has advanced to the Elite Eight twice in a three-year span under head coach Brad Underwood, following the team’s 2024 Elite Eight appearance
Iowa vs Illinois Head-to-Head
The two programs have faced each other 172 times in their respective histories, seeing the Hawkeyes with the 95-77 edge. The last matchup in January this year when Illinois secured a 75-69 win on the road.
Iowa vs Illinois Predictions
The winner of this matchup will take on the victors between Duke and UConn in the Final Four. Iowa has exceeded expectations throughout its tournament run under head coach Ben McCollum, having a chance at the Final Four if Bennett Stirtz delivers once again. However, Illinois has aspirations of making a title run as their win over last year’s runners-up Houston is a major example of their elite status. Our betting pick here is the Fighting Illini to defend a 7-point spread.
- Free NCAAB pick: Illinois Fighting Illini -7
NCAAB
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