The Duquesne Dukes (25-11) travel to face off against the Illinois Fighting Illini (27-8) on Saturday, March 23rd. This game will be played at CHI Health Center Omaha in Omaha and televised on TNT. Both team’s come into this one having won their previous games. Tip-off is set for 12:00 ET.
Duquesne Dukes vs Illinois Fighting Illini
The Duquesne Dukes Are Coming Off A Win
After winning their last game against BYU by a score of 71-67, Duquesne comes into this matchup with a record of 25-11. Currently, they are on a nine-game winning streak, and they have gone 14-8 in Atlantic 10 play. On the road this season, the Dukes have gone 8-7, and over their last three games away from home, they are 3-0. As the underdog, Duquesne has gone 7-5 compared to their record of 17-6 as the favorite.
On the season, the Dukes have been outscored by an average of -0.2 points per game on the road. However, they have won five straight road games, and over their last 10, they are 7-3. So far, they have gone 11-3 in non-conference games, and they are 16-4 at home.
As the underdog, Duquesne has been a solid bet vs. the spread this season with an 8-4 record. Over their last 10 games as the underdog, the Dukes have gone 7-3 vs. the spread. On the road, Duquesne has been even better vs. the spread this season with a mark of 9-6. Their last 3 road games have seen them go 3-0 vs. the spread.
Today’s over/under line of 149.5 is higher than the average over/under line in Duquesne’s games this season (142.7). Their over/under record for the season is 9-25-1. Over their last three games, the average scoring total is 125 points and their OU record during that span is 0-3. On the year, 28 of their games have finished with fewer points than today’s over/under line.
The Illinois Fighting Illini Are Coming Off A Win
Illinois enters this game as the favorite, as they are favored by 9.5 points. The Fighting Illini have been the favorite in 30 of their 35 games this season, and they have gone 25-5 in those games.
At home, Illinois has been dominant, going 21-3 on the season. Over their last 10 games at home, they have gone 9-1, and they have won their last five games at home.
Illinois has an ATS record of 11-12-1 at home this season and 15-14-1 vs. the spread when favored. Over their last 10 games as the favorite, the Fighting Illini are 6-4 ATS.
Today’s over/under line of 149.5 is slightly lower than the average over/under line of 149.8 in Illinois’ games this season. Over their last three games, the average scoring total is 173 points, which is higher than the season average of 157.9 points per game. In their last three games, the over/under record is 3-0 and their over/under record for the season is 26-10.
Duquesne Offense Breakdown
The Dukes’ offense finished with 71 points in their previous game, mirroring their current average of 70.8 points per contest. Dae Dae Grant led the scoring for the Dukes, contributing 19 points. Additionally, Jakub Necas chipped in with 12 points.
| Name | PPG | REB | AST |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dae Dae Grant (G) | 16.7 | 3.4 | 2.5 |
| Jimmy Clark III (G) | 15.1 | 3.4 | 3.8 |
| David Dixon (F) | 7.1 | 4.8 | 0.7 |
Illinois Offense Breakdown
Coming off a good offensive performance, Illinois’ offense scored 85 points against Morehead State. Their field goal percentage for the game was 54.2%, and they went 9/12 from the free-throw line. In terms of offense, the Fighting Illini have a season-long field goal percentage of 47%, putting them 73rd in the NCAA. Regarding three-pointers, they are ranked 135th in percentage and 95th in three-pointers made.
| Name | PPG | REB | AST |
|---|---|---|---|
| Terrence Shannon Jr. (G) | 23.0 | 4.1 | 2.1 |
| Marcus Domask (F) | 16.0 | 4.9 | 3.7 |
| Coleman Hawkins (F) | 12.4 | 6.2 | 2.7 |
Duquesne Team Defense
The Dukes’ defense is presently ranked 32nd nationally, allowing an average of 66.1 points per contest. In their previous game vs. BYU, the Cougars finished with a field goal percentage of 38% and a total of 67 points vs. Duquesne.
Illinois Team Defense
Coming into today’s game, the Illinois defense is giving up an average of 73.7 points per contest. Against Morehead State, the Fighting Illini’s defense gave up 69 points and did a good job not fouling. For the game, Morehead State only made 9 free-throws.
Dukes vs Fighting Illini Trends
- Through their last ten road games, Duquesne has an ATS record of just 8-2. However, their overall record was 7-3 while averaging 67 points per game.
- In their last three home games, Illinois has averaged 84 points per game while allowing 78. The team’s record in this stretch was 2-1 while going 2-1 vs. the spread.
- As the betting underdog, the Dukes have an ATS record of 5-0 in their last five games. In these matchups their, straight up record was 5-0.
- As the betting favorite, the Fighting Illini have an ATS record of 3-0 in their last three games. In these matchups, their straight up record was 3-0.
Dukes vs Fighting Illini Prediction
When looking to get a point-spread pick down in this Fighting Illini vs. Fighting Illini game, our recommendation is to take the Fighting Illini at -9.5. Despite our model showing the Fighting Illini winning 74-70, we like Dukes as our point-spread pick.
As for the total, the line is currently sitting at 149.5 and our model has the Dukes and Fighting Illini finishing with a combined 144 points. Our pick is to take the under.
All odds are courtesy of Action247 Sportsbook. Good luck!!
* All odds are provided by Action247 Sportsbook and all odds subject to change.**All views expressed are my own. My picks are my own and are not a guarantee, bet at your own risk.Action247 does not warrant the accuracy of completeness of the information, text, graphics, links or other items contained within these post.
Last updated:March 22, 2024 Duquesne Dukes, Illinois Fighting Illini