Xavier vs Illinois

Illinois, in great form, faces a Xavier squad that has already won a game in the NCAA tournament, and will be missing some depth pieces. Historically, Illinois guard Aaron Clarke has torched Xavier’s backcourt with high-percentage shooting, while the Musketeers rely on Marcus Green’s consistent scoring against the Illini. Given these variables, Illinois appears poised for a timely victory, offering decent value and a high likelihood of cashing in on the final scoreboard.

Xavier’s sharpshooting guard looks to capitalize on the Musketeers’ 8-2 run in their last ten, while Illinois comes in with a 6-4 run. Xavier’s frontline carries an injury question mark with its powerhouse forward nursing a knee injury, yet his historical success on the boards against Illinois often keeps the Musketeers alive on second-chance opportunities. On the flip side, Illinois’s leading scorer has routinely torched Xavier’s defense, suggesting another big offensive performance that could skyrocket the total. The 161-point line appears primed for a shootout, and this pick nabs an A grade for its attractive payout if it hits. Tagline: Prepare for a race to the rafters.

Xavier’s lineup remains mostly intact despite a nagging injuries to some depth pieces. Xavier enters with some momentum of already winning a game in the NCAA tournament's first four round, but Illinois’s newfound struggles on defense have left them missing a step coming in, having dropped their last game. Historically, Xavier has shown moments of brilliance against Big Ten opponents when shooting from the perimeter, and that background should help them keep pace here. With a reasonable payout if the Musketeers cover, this prediction sits at a solid B for confidence and reward potential.