In an East Regional contest, the three-seed Illinois Fighting Illini take on 14th-seed Morehead State Eagles. The Eagles finished the season 26-8 overall and 18-11-1 ATS. They won the Ohio Valley Conference to make the Dance. The Fighting Illini finished with a 26-8 overall record and were 19-13-2 ATS and won the Big 10. Morehead State is riding a six-game winning streak but has not played in 12 days. For the season, they are putting up 75.5 a game. They are shooting 46.9% from the field and 36.1% from deep. On the defensive end, they are giving up 62.8 points per game. The Fighting Illini were in form down the stretch going 7-1 over their last 8 games. For the season, they put up 84.4 on 47.1% shooting from the field and 35% from deep. On the defensive end, they are giving up 73.8 points a game. The Fighting Illini have gone 3-1 ATS over their last four games. The Fighting Illini can be taken advantage of on the defensive end but I don’t believe Morehead State has the offense to do it. Morehead State has had 12 days off so it may take some time to get their in-game touch going. Illinois has two guys who can get a bucket when needed, to hit 26 free throws in the Big Ten title game. Morehead State has played just two tournament games this season and has not faced a team like Illinois. Illinois lack of defensive effort can worry you in this one but I don’t think Morehead State will be able to score enough.

Play on Illinois. This is a 2% play