Illinois Fighting Illini vs Kentucky Wildcats Prediction – 3/23/2025

The NCAA Men's Basketball Championship continues with an exciting second-round game between the Illinois Fighting Illini and the Kentucky Wildcats. This game is scheduled for Sunday, March 23, 2025, at 5:15 PM ET at the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Both teams are coming off impressive first-round victories and are eager to advance further in the tournament.

Illinois Fighting Illini vs. Kentucky Wildcats Game Preview

Illinois (22-12) has been on a strong run, winning five of their last six games. Their recent 86-73 victory over Xavier showcased their offensive capabilities. Freshman guard Will Riley led the team with 22 points, while Kasparas Jakucionis contributed 16 points, 10 assists, and nine rebounds. Center Tomislav Ivisic added a double-double with 20 points and 10 rebounds, helping the Illini dominate the boards with a 45-25 advantage. Jakucionis has been a key player this season, averaging 15.0 points and 5.7 rebounds per game. The team's depth is evident, with five players averaging double figures in scoring.

Kentucky (23-11) displayed resilience in their 76-57 win over Troy. Otega Oweh led the scoring with 20 points, supported by Koby Brea, Andrew Carr, and Brandon Garrison, who each added 13 points. The Wildcats are proficient from beyond the arc, averaging 9.6 three-pointers per game and shooting 37.4% from deep. Oweh leads the team with 16.4 points per game, while Amari Williams contributes 10.9 points and a team-high 8.6 rebounds. The team has shown improved ball movement, recording 23 assists on 28 field goals in their last game.

Betting Insights

As of the latest information, Illinois is favored by 1.5 points, with a moneyline of -120, while Kentucky stands at +100. The over/under for the game is set at 169.5 points. These odds reflect the expectation of a closely contested and high-scoring game. Bettors should consider the following trends:

• Illinois is 5-1 against the spread (ATS) in their last six games.
• The total has gone over in five of Illinois' last six games against SEC opponents.
• Kentucky is 4-1 straight up (SU) in their last five games.
• The total has gone over in five of Kentucky's last seven games.

Illinois Fighting Illini vs. Kentucky Wildcats Prediction

This game features two high-powered offenses with distinct strengths. Illinois excels in rebounding, ranking second nationally with 42.6 rebounds per game, and has a balanced scoring attack led by Jakucionis and Riley. Their perimeter defense has been solid, limiting opponents to 6.7 made three-pointers per game.

Kentucky, on the other hand, boasts a potent offense with efficient three-point shooting and improved ball movement. Oweh's scoring prowess and the team's depth make them a formidable opponent. However, their defense has been inconsistent, which could be a concern against Illinois' versatile offense.

Considering both teams' recent performances and statistical profiles, this game is expected to be closely contested. Illinois' rebounding advantage and balanced scoring may give them a slight edge. However, Kentucky's offensive efficiency and experience could counteract this. Given the high over/under, a high-scoring game is anticipated.

Prediction: Illinois 87, Kentucky 84.