The Illinois Fighting Illini (21-13) travel to face off against the Kentucky Wildcats (22-12) on Sunday, March 23rd. This game will be played at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee and televised on None. Both Illinois and Kentucky will be looking to bounce back from losses in their previous games. Tip-off is scheduled for 5:15 ET.

Illinois Fighting Illini vs Kentucky Wildcats

The Fighting Illini Look To Bounce Back From A Loss

Illinois Fighting Illini Recent Game/Games

Illinois fell to 21-13 on the season after a 88-65 loss to Maryland on Friday, March 14th. The Illini were +1.5 point underdogs going into the game and failed to cover the spread. The game’s total points ended at 153, just under the O/U line of 158.5.

Illinois struggled early, trailing 57-31 at halftime. While they outscored Maryland 34-31 in the second half, it wasn’t enough to overcome the early deficit.

The Wildcats Look To Bounce Back From A Loss

Kentucky Wildcats Recent Game/Games

Kentucky’s season record fell to 22-12 after a 99-70 road loss to Alabama on Friday. The Wildcats entered the game as +8.5 point underdogs and failed to cover the spread.

Trailing 45-38 at halftime, Kentucky struggled in the second half, scoring just 32 points while allowing 54. The combined points of 169 fell short of the 178.5 O/U line.

Fighting Illini Offense Breakdown

Illinois struggled offensively in their last game, shooting just 36.5% from the field and 22.2% from beyond the arc, hitting only 6 of 27 three-point attempts. Their effective field goal percentage was 41.3%, but they did manage to grab 16 offensive rebounds and dish out 12 assists.

Rodney Rice led the way, scoring 26 points in 25 minutes, hitting 7 of 9 threes and shooting 66.7% overall. Derik Queen added 19 points and 10 rebounds, shooting 63.6% from the field.

Wildcats Offense Breakdown

Kentucky’s offense struggled in their last game, shooting just 37.5% from the field and 26.3% from beyond the arc, finishing with 70 points. Their effective field goal percentage was 42.9%, and they hit 23 of 35 free throws, shooting 65.7% from the line.

Labaron Philon led the Wildcats with 21 points, while Andrew Carr added 18, shooting 80% from the field. Jarin Stevenson was also efficient, hitting 75% of his shots and making 3 of 5 threes. Kentucky managed just 7 offensive rebounds and recorded 12 assists in the game.

Fighting Illini Team Defense

Illinois struggled defensively, giving up 88 points on 42% shooting from the field. They allowed 30 field goals on 71 attempts.

From beyond the arc, Illinois allowed 11 threes on 23 attempts, a 47% shooting percentage. They also put their opponent on the line 24 times, where they made 17 free throws.

Wildcats Team Defense

Illinois struggled defensively, giving up 88 points on 42% shooting from the field. They allowed 30 made field goals on 71 attempts.

From beyond the arc, Illinois allowed 11 threes on 23 attempts, with the opposing team shooting 47% from deep.

Fighting Illini vs Wildcats Trends

• When looking at their past ten road matchups, Illinois has an ATS record of 4-6 while averaging 83 per game. The team went 5-5 overall in these games.
• When looking at their past five home matchups, Kentucky has an ATS record of 2-3 while averaging 81 per game. The team went 2-3 overall in these games.
• Going back to their previous ten games as the underdog, Kentucky has an ATS mark of 6-4 while going 5-5 straight up.
• As the betting favorite, the Fighting Illini have an ATS record of 4-1 in their last five games. In these matchups their, straight up record was 4-1.

Fighting Illini vs Wildcats Prediction

Coming in as the underdogs at +1.5, we have the Wildcats as the way to go on the point spread. Not only do we have them covering, but our projections show they have a good one of winning this one straight-up, if you’re looking for a higher payout on the moneyline.

Regarding the over/under, the current line is set at 170.5, and our model predicts the Fighting Illini and Wildcats to score a combined 146 points. We recommend betting on 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.