Chattanooga Vs. Illinois Odds, Picks, and Predictions (3/18/22)

The Illinois Fighting Illini will take on a very underrated Chattanooga Mocs squad in an exciting No. 4 versus No. 13 matchup on Friday. The Fighting Illini will look to represent the Big Ten better than it was represented in the last tournament; several Big Ten teams got bounced in the first round of the 2021 NCAA Tournament. Unfortunately, Illinois may be without guard Jacob Grandison, a double-digit scorer and 41% shooter from deep. We won’t know if he will be available until later Thursday or Friday!

Meanwhile, Chattanooga was the best team in the Southern Conference all season but was almost upset by the No. 2 seed in the conference championship game. However, its season was saved by David Jean-Baptise, who hit a game-winning three-pointer on the game’s final possession to give the Mocs a one-point victory. Check out my analysis of both teams and this matchup to see which squad I will be backing!

Chattanooga Vs. Illinois Betting Odds

Chattanooga Betting Odds

There is something dangerous about a team that enters the NCAA Tournament after hitting a buzzer-beater to win their conference tournament. Regardless of the Mocs’ rankings, anything can happen in March! KenPom ranks the Mocs 70th in adjusted efficiency margin and 55th in adjusted offensive efficiency, which is not bad for a team in a historically weaker conference. Chattanooga is led by three incredibly talented players, including Malachi Smith, David Jean-Baptiste, and Silvio De Sousa. Smith averages over 20 points per game, nearly seven rebounds, and three assists per game, while De Sousa chips in 11 points and seven boards.

Illinois Betting Odds

Illinois had another incredibly successful season in the Big Ten. It finished the Big Ten regular season as co-champions with Wisconsin after the Badgers dropped their final game to one of the league’s worst teams (Nebraska.) The Fighting Illini have been led by Kofi Cockburn, who is the most dominant big man in college basketball. Cockburn has averaged 21 points and 11 rebounds on an impressive 60% from the field. It is no surprise that Cockburn gets officiated differently than most other players because he is so much stronger. Other critical players for Illinois include Alfonso Plummer, Trent Frazier, and Andre Curbelo, who form one of the best backcourts in college basketball. If the Fighting Illini can get past this game and eventually return Jacob Grandison to the lineup, they could be one of the more dangerous teams in this tournament.

Chattanooga Vs. Illinois Picks & Prediction

Illinois should win this game, but I doubt it will be without a scare. The Mocs are riding a ton of momentum after hitting a game-winning shot in the final seconds of their conference tournament championship. They have also had a ton of rest between their last game, so between rest and preparation, Chattanooga should be ready. In terms of matchups, there are not many players who can contain Kofi Cockburn; however, Silvio De Sousa is a solid player who can come as close as most players. Chattanooga has two talented scorers on its team, and all bets are off if they get hot. I will take the Mocs at +8.5 or better against Illinois in the round of 64.

March Madness Bracket