Morehead State has been a consistent power in the Ohio Valley Conference, winning at least 22 games in each of the last four seasons.
In the East Region of the NCAA Tournament on Thursday, the Eagles face Big Ten Tournament champion Illinois, which closed the pre-March Madness season on a 9-2 run.
Let’s take a closer look at this 3/14 matchup and find a betting edge.
Morehead State vs. Illinois odds
- Spread: Morehead State +11.5 (-102), Illinois -11.5 (-120)
- Total: Over 148.5 (-105), Under 148.5 (-115)
- Moneyline: Morehead State +570, Illinois -850
Odds via FanDuel
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Morehead State vs. Illinois analysis
In the two losses, Illinois blew a 10-point lead at home to Purdue and squandered a 14-point second-half advantage in a one-point setback at Penn State.
Leading scorer Terrence Shannon, Jr. blew up in the Big Ten Tournament as he averaged 34 points per game, including a 40-point outburst against Nebraska in the semifinals. He followed that up with a 34-point performance against Wisconsin in the championship game.
Illini coach Brad Underwood looks to advance out of the first weekend for the first time since he arrived in Champaign in 2018. Last season, Illinois lost in the opening round to Arkansas, but this is the second-highest seed the Illini have earned during Underwood’s tenure.
Morehead State faced some of the big boys in non-conference play, but were blasted by the likes of Alabama, Purdue and Penn State, while covering in a one-point loss at Indiana.
The Eagles owned the best offensive efficiency numbers in OVC play, but the Fighting Illini were the second-most efficient offensive squad in the Big Ten.
Morehead State vs. Illinois pick
The Ohio Valley has been the perpetrator of early round upsets in the NCAA Tournament in recent years, including 12th-seeded Murray State’s stunning victory over No. 5 Marquette in 2019.
But Illinois, coming off an impressive Big Ten Tournament championship, has too much power offensively and should grab the cover.
- Pick: Illinois -11.5 (-110, bet365)
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