The Penn Quakers needed every heroic effort from TJ Power to reach the NCAA Tournament, and now with his status in doubt, even that dreaming storyline is filled with doubt against the Illinois Fighting Illini.
My Penn vs. Illinois predictions and these March Madness picks would have been skeptical of Power even if he was healthy, simply given the Illini’s overall edges on Thursday, March 19.
Penn vs Illinois prediction
Who will win Penn vs Illinois?
Illinois’s greatest misstep this season has been losing as a 9.5-point favorite in overtime against Wisconsin, hardly something to thoroughly lament. There is absolutely no justification in thinking Penn will spring this upset.
Penn vs Illinois best bet: TJ Power Under 2.5 3-Pointers (+100)
Questionable due to illness, Penn Quakers forward TJ Power would usually scoff at this 3-pointers prop. He has cleared it in six straight games, shooting 54.9% in that stretch.
But the Illinois Fighting Illini rank No. 44 in opposing 3-pointer percentage at 31.4%.
Obviously, tired legs from any illness will make Power’s shots tougher, and the NCAA Tournament is notorious for over-inflating the balls, emphasizing the negative impacts of any contact with the rim on a long-range shot.
Among these reasons to doubt Power’s shots, also recognize that Illinois is likely to slow down this game and cut into his possessions.
COVERS INTEL: Even against Big Ten competition, Illinois’s long-distance defense excelled, holding conference opponents to 32.1% from deep.
Penn vs Illinois same-game parlay
Just less than half of Power’s points this season came from beyond the arc. If those shots are not falling, he is not a ripe candidate to create. Furthermore, Illinois hardly fouls opponents, leaving Powers with only inefficient hopes tonight.
Penn vs Illinois SGP
- TJ Power Under 2.5 3-pointers
- TJ Power Under 15.5 points
- First Half Under 71
Our Big Dance SGP: Illinois Early And Late
This is not the kind of Ivy League team that pulls a stunner. And this is not the kind of high seed that stumbles against an overlooked opponent.
In the Illini’s 24 wins this season, they went 17-7 against the spread. Expect this to be a stifling blowout throughout.
Penn vs Illinois SGP
- First Half Under 71
- Illinois First Half -14.5
- Under 153
- Illinois -25.5
Penn vs Illinois odds
- Spread: Penn +25.5 | Illinois -25.5
- Moneyline: Penn +1500 | Illinois -8000
- Over/Under: Over 153 | Under 153
Penn vs Illinois betting trend to know
Before Power went nuclear to send the Ivy League title game into overtime, 13 straight Penn games had cashed their Unders. Find more college basketball betting trends for Penn vs. Illinois.
How to watch Penn vs Illinois
| Location | Bon Secours Wellness Arena, Greenville, SC |
| Date | Thursday, March 19, 2026 |
| Tip-off | 9:25 p.m. ET |
| TV | TNT |
Penn vs Illinois key injuries
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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