Wisconsin vs. Illinois Prediction: Can Marcus Domask, Fighting Illini Put Up Points in Big Ten Championship?
Wisconsin vs. Illinois Prediction: Can Marcus Domask, Fighting Illini Put Up Points in Big Ten Championship?
On Sunday afternoon, two Big Ten teams face-off for their conference tournament trophy. The Wisconsin Badgers and Illinois Fighting Illini match up for the second time this year. With Purdue eliminated, it will be either Wisconsin or Illinois taking home the Big Ten trophy.
Wisconsin vs. Illinois DATE, TIME, AND WHERE TO WATCH
- Date: March 17, 2024
- Game Time: 3:30 pm ET
- Where to Watch: ESPN+
Wisconsin vs. Illinois Prediction
When these teams faced off a few weeks ago, Illinois handed Wisconsin a loss on their home floor. The Badgers have now lost seven straight games in this series, but after knocking out Purdue they’ll have the confidence to keep this game close.
A majority of these conference championships have soared under the betting total. Whether it’s been tired legs from consecutive days played or the nerves from playing in a Championship game, these totals have almost all dropped from the opening line and gone under. The Big Ten Championship will be no different, and I think there’s some series value on the under this afternoon.
I was tempted to fade Illinois in this spot considering their dominant win streak against the Badgers, but I’m looking at the total instead. These two teams dropped a combined 174 points in that contest in early March. The total in that game was 151.5, soaring over the number by more than 20 points. You’d think the total would be higher this time around, right? Actually, the total opened up at 151.5 again, immediately getting steamed down to 148.5.
The splits are extremely sharp on this under. Less than 40% of the bets but more than 60% of the handle is currently backing this game to go under. Some big bets have been placed on the under in this game, including mine. If Wisconsin wants to keep this game close, they are going to have to slow down Terrence Shannon Jr. and Marcus Domask significantly. Luckily, they do have one of the slowest tempos in the Big Ten.
The Badgers were able to beat Purdue yesterday by slowing the game down and limiting their possessions. They were able to hold Zach Edey and Purdue to only 75 points, and that game went into overtime. Expect them to use the same game plan against Illinois this afternoon. The Badgers need to slow this game down if they want a chance to win.
Until these conference championship unders stop cashing, I will continue to play them in spots I like. The under in the Big Ten Championship might be my favorite spot of the day with both teams coming off high-scoring matchups yesterday. Take the contrarian under this afternoon; there’s a reason it’s dropped three points already…
Wisconsin vs. Illinois Pick
WIS/ILL u148.5 (-110) Click here to see which sportsbook has the best odds
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Article Author
Krabs is a contrarian bettor who isn’t afraid to fade the public or go against the grain. His betting style not only produces winners but has changed the way many think about the sports betting process. You’ll find Krabs betting on anything from the NFL (at a 60% clip in 2022) to the KBO (8-1-1 in 2022). You won’t find many handicappers with more college basketball knowledge or insight than Krabs. A native of the “DMV,” you can find his work @Krabs_Bets on Twitter, or on Behind the Lines, his daily sports betting show on twitch.