Thursday night’s Sweet 16 action wraps up with a fantastic matchup between second-seeded Iowa State and third-seeded Illinois in Boston.
Here’s a breakdown of the game and why I think the Cyclones are a deserving favorite.
Illinois vs. Iowa State odds
Spread: Illinois +105, Iowa State -125
Total: Over 145.5 (-115), Under 145.5 (-105)
Moneyline: Illinois +105, Iowa State -125
Odds via BetMGM
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Illinois vs. Iowa State analysis
The Cyclones haven’t skipped a beat since routing Houston to capture the Big 12 Tournament Championship earlier this month.
ISU took care of South Dakota State and Washington State, each by double digits, extending the Cyclones’ win streak to five games.
Since the start of February, a span covering 16 games, Iowa State is 12-3-1 against the spread, while losing only once straight-up in the role of a favorite.
Illinois captured the Big Ten Tournament title and didn’t let up in consecutive routs of Morehead State and Duquesne.
Granted, the Illini faced two teams that were seeded 14th and 11th, but they easily cashed as double-digit favorites each time.
Illinois guard Terrence Shannon, Jr. is on a heater, averaging 32.5 points over his last four games.
Illinois vs. Iowa pick
The Illini have been a solid underdog this season at 4-1-1 ATS, but Illinois has been knocked out the last two NCAA Tournaments in the underdog role.
Iowa State has limited eight of its last nine opponents to 33% shooting or worse from 3-point range.
Let’s lay the short number with the Cyclones to eliminate the Illini at TD Garden on Thursday night.
Pick: Iowa State -1.5 (-108 at DraftKings)
