The UNLV Rebels have just enough edges over Illinois to think they will win this Southwest Region game and advance.
UNLV, the 8 seed, is favored by just 2.5 points and the Fightin' Illini are talented, but erratic. They are led by Chace Stanback.
The Fighting Illini, No. 9 in this bracket, need tough perimeter defense and creativity on offense to advance against Kansas in the second round. They can shoot the 3-ball so they are threat to pull the upset. [ Best dog line? See Sportsbook ]
View Illinois vs UNLV Odds and Stats.
Power Rankings / Prediction:
The Power Rankings at Odds Shark show No. 28-rated Illinois taking on the No. 17-rated Rebels in this contest. The scores prediction computer here indicates a possible 77-74 win for the Rebels on Friday.
How They Match Up:
Rating these schools in several key categories is important for handicappers and UNLV has the nation's No. 87-rated offensive output, at 71.9 PPG. The visiting Fighting Illini defense ranks No. 92 allowing on average 65.2 PPG. The Rebels FG% has averaged 46.1% so far, less than the Fighting Illini marksmen have achieved on the year, 46.8% per game.
Defensively, Illinois features the nation's No. 94-rated defense on the road, allowing 67.9 points per game. UNLV, meanwhile, comes in at No. 159 nationally in scoring at home.
Illinois lost its last outing, a 60-55 result against Michigan on March 11. They failed to cover in that game as a 3-point favorite.
UNLV was a 74-72 loser in its last match against San Diego State. They failed to cover the 1–point spread as underdogs.
Illinois Fighting Illini Trends:
When playing on Friday are 6-4
After playing Michigan are 4-6
After a loss are 7-3
UNLV Rebels Trends:
When playing on Friday are 8-2
After playing San Diego State are 4-6
After a loss are 7-3
A few Fighting Illini at Rebels trends to consider:
UNLV is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of UNLV's last 5 games
