Illinois has had one tough game this season and they lost to Marquette, however, they’ve won their last four and covered the number in their last three. Illinois is holding shooters down to 33% shooting which ranks No. 1 in the nation. Florida Atlantic shoots 50% from the field and they have almost everyone back from last season’s 35-4 Final Four squad. I made this bet because the game is on a neutral court at Madison Square Garden and the FAU continuity. FAU to cover.

Since a shock loss to Bryant, FAU has rolled through a competitive field at Kissimmee in the Disney World Tourney over Thanksgiving before blowing out recent Big Dance entrants Liberty and Charleston last week at Boca Raton. This will be a challenge for Illinois, because of the efficiency and experience in the FAU offense scoring at an 84 ppg clip while hitting nearly 51% of its FG tries as it breaks down foes with ball-screen after ball-screen. The Illini also fell short in its lone previous serious test vs. Marquette, and suspect it might again vs. FAU, which will feel right at home in MSG after advancing to the Final Four in this very building last March 25 vs. Kansas State.