The UConn Huskies pulled off a miracle to get to Indianapolis, and they'll look to punch their ticket to the National Championship with a win over the Illinois Fighting Illini on April 4.
Our Illinois vs. UConn predictions have you covered with a plethora of college basketball picks for this Final Four matchup.
Illinois vs UConn predictions
- UConn +2 (-116 at bet365)
- Under 139.5 (-110 at bet365)
- Alex Karaban Over 13.5 points (+100 at bet365)
Illinois vs UConn best bets
UConn +2
Jason Logan is siding with the Huskies in tonight's matchup, expecting them to outwork the Illini.
"The Huskies’ offense is the edge in this matchup. Connecticut is a unique beast, with a ton of movement and off-ball screens — a throwback to the pick-and-roll-reliant attacks of today.
There’s a term in playoff hockey that “every hit is an investment,” and the same goes for UConn’s screen-heavy playbook.
Illinois’ size will get spread out, and those bigs will clash with constant contact as they chase UConn around for 30 seconds a possession.
The Illini may be able to absorb that for 30 or 35 minutes. But like a boxer landing body blow after body blow, it will take its toll in the championship rounds."
Under 139.5
JLo is expecting long possessions, leading to this total falling Under the number.
"Both teams love to swing the ball in the halfcourt, with inside-out passing and setting up off screens. Possessions will dip deep in the shot clock, and easy looks will be few and far between.
While game models call for 140+ points, I don’t see it. I like the Under in Indy Saturday night."
Illinois vs UConn same-game parlay
Logan has also put together an SGP for tonight's affair.
"Alex Karaban had an off day against Duke, but this pace and half-court style play right into his wheelhouse. The Huskies’ veteran has been a stud in the NCAA Tournament, and his activity will leave Illinois’ bigger defenders in the dust. His projections sit as high as 16+ points.
If Connecticut is going to beat Illinois, it needs a monster game from Tarris Reed - not just on offense but also cleaning the defensive glass and doing damage with offensive boards. His forecasts call for double-digit rebounds Saturday."
Illinois vs UConn props
Alex Karaban Over 13.5 points
Alex Karaban is the vet for this UConn squad, and Douglas Farmer expects him to play like one when the lights are brightest.
"This stage will not faze Alex Karaban. He was starting in the Final Four as a freshman in 2023. By 2024, he was going 4 of 6 from the field for 14 points in a win over Alabama in the Final Four, arguably the best player in that win.
Now, he is UConn’s veteran, minutes workhorse, and likely offensive failsafe. Karaban has averaged 17.8 points in this NCAA Tournament, clearing this prop in three of four games."
Illinois vs UConn odds
Illinois vs UConn game info
| Location: | Lucas Stadium, Indianapolis, IN |
| Date: | Saturday, April 4, 2025 |
| Kickoff: | 6:09 p.m. ET |
| TV: | TBS |
Illinois vs UConn latest injuries
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
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