The Illinois Fighting Illini will take on the Iowa Hawkeyes in the NCAA Men’s Division I Basketball Tournament. This Elite Eight game in the South Region is set for Saturday, March 28, 2026. The game will be held at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas, at 6:09 PM ET.
Illinois comes into this game with a strong record. They finished the 2026 regular season with 24 wins and 8 losses. In their conference, the Big Ten, they had 15 wins and 6 losses. Last year, they made it to the second round of the tournament before losing to Kentucky.
Iowa had a solid season as well. They ended the 2026 regular season with 21 wins and 12 losses. In the Big Ten, they had an even record with 11 wins and 11 losses. Both teams will aim to advance to the next stage of the tournament.
Iowa Preview
The Iowa Hawkeyes play in the Big Ten Conference. In the 2026 regular season, they had an overall record of 21 wins and 12 losses. Their conference record was 11 wins and 11 losses.
Offensively, the Hawkeyes scored 75.2 points per game, ranking them 223rd. They had a high field goal percentage of 49.1, placing them 21st. The team made 8 three-pointers per game and had a free throw percentage of 77.0, which was 55th.
Defensively, Iowa averaged 7.1 steals per game. They had 2 blocks per game and committed 17.6 fouls per game. The team had a turnover rate of 9.4 per game.
Key players include Bennett Stirtz, who averaged 20 points per game, and Tavion Banks, who scored 10.5 points per game. Alvaro Folgueiras contributed with 8.1 points per game. The team reached the Sweet 16 in the postseason.
Illinois Preview
The Illinois Fighting Illini are ranked 13th in the AP poll. They play in the Big Ten Conference. Last season, they had a strong regular season with a 24-8 overall record and a 15-6 record in conference games.
In the 2025 postseason, Illinois won against Xavier in the first round with a score of 86-73. They then lost to Kentucky in the second round, 84-75. Their postseason stats showed improvement, with an average of 90.5 points per game, ranking them 6th in scoring.
Illinois has some standout players. Keaton Wagler leads with 17.9 points per game. David Mirkovic contributes with 13.4 points and 7.8 rebounds per game. Kylan Boswell also adds 13.2 points per game.
Betting trends show Illinois had a straight-up record of 21-12 last season. As favorites, they were 18-6. Against the spread, they were 16-16-1. The team often hit the over, with a 20-13 record in totals.
Statistical Breakdown for Iowa vs Illinois
The game between Iowa and Illinois will be shaped by several key stats. Illinois scores more points per game and has a strong three-point shooting record. Iowa has a higher field goal percentage and commits fewer turnovers. Both teams have standout players who can make a difference. Here are some key game statistics:
- Illinois Points Per Game: 84.4 (25th)
- Iowa Points Per Game: 75.2 (223rd)
- Illinois 3PT Made Per Game: 10.9 (24th)
- Iowa Field Goal Percentage: 49.1 (21st)
- Illinois Rebounds Per Game: 40.7 (22nd)
- Iowa Turnovers Per Game: 9.4 (285th)
- Key Player – Iowa: Bennett Stirtz, 20 PPG
- Key Player – Illinois: Keaton Wagler, 17.9 PPG
Betting Insights
The Illinois Fighting Illini and Iowa Hawkeyes are set for an exciting game. Illinois has shown strong performance in recent games, especially when favored. Iowa has struggled more, particularly as underdogs. Bettors looking for insights should consider these trends before placing their bets.
- Illinois is 18-6 straight up as a favorite (75.0%).
- Illinois has hit the over in 7 of their last 10 games (70.0%).
- Iowa is 14-2 straight up as a favorite (87.5%).
- Illinois is 4-1 against the spread in their last 5 games (80.0%).
- Iowa is 5-12 against the spread as an underdog (29.4%).
Free Betting Prediction for Iowa vs Illinois
Illinois enters the game as the favorite with a strong record. They have shown consistent scoring ability, averaging 84.4 points per game. Their three-point shooting is also impressive, making them a tough team to defend. Iowa will need to rely on their efficient field goal shooting and low turnover rate to stay competitive.
Iowa’s key player, Bennett Stirtz, will be crucial in keeping the game close. His scoring ability can help Iowa challenge Illinois’ defense. However, Illinois’ depth and balanced scoring from players like Keaton Wagler and David Mirkovic give them an edge. Illinois’ ability to rebound and score from beyond the arc may prove too much for Iowa.
Considering the betting trends, Illinois has been reliable as a favorite. They have also been strong against the spread recently. Iowa has struggled as an underdog, which could impact their performance. The game might be close, but Illinois’ strengths make them likely to cover the spread.
- Our Free Prediction: Illinois -6.5
