On the whole, the Illinois Fighting Illini are far better off with head coach Brad Underwood. Incredibly enough, the storied Illinois program was not itself when Underwood took over. Specifically, Illinois has a storied March Madness betting tradition of excellence. But the program suffered from incompetence and neglect before Underwood arrived. Illinois is back on the comeback trail as a program that can again dream big. But on Saturday, those dreams could become a nightmare at Michigan State. In a similar way to the Fighting Illini, the Spartans are steeped in tradition. MSU owns an intimidating home court.
Illinois Fighting Illini vs. Michigan State Spartans Betting Information
| Date: |
Saturday, February 19, 2022 |
| Time: |
Noon ET |
| Location: |
Breslin Center, East Lansing, Michigan |
| TV Coverage: |
ESPN |
Illinois Fighting Illini at Michigan State Spartans CashBet Wagering Analysis
Admittedly the Spartans are usually one of the most popular online Sportsbook brands in college basketball. Especially when the Green and White play at the Breslin Center. But the fickle nature of fans and gamblers has been showing recently.
Michigan State is not dominating opponents as they did in the past. Thus, the betting public has soured on the Spartans. Wise Guys are fully aware of this trend and see a new opportunity for enhanced wagering value. Head coach Tom Izzo commands the respect of sharps. That feeds into the Wise Guys loving a public turn against MSU.
In comparison, Illinois is the shiny new toy of the gambling public. Squares are enamored with Fighting Illini superstar Kofi Cockburn. Indeed, Cockburn is the best player on the Fighting Illini. He is a mesmerizing talent that draws casual fans and money. However, oddsmakers are fully aware of this phenomenon. And they are raising the prices on Illinois to counter that new public popularity. Accordingly, the Fighting Illini are losing value at a rapid rate.
Fighting Illini Losing Value at Critical Point of Season
Late on, Illinois has failed to get the cash with six losses to the oddsmakers in their previous eight games. In their last six games, the Fighting Illini are 2-4 under the 2022 March Madness Betting total. As a result, Illinois stands at 8-6 straight up and 11-13 against the spread. Illinois has national metrics of 55th for scoring offense and 98th for points allowed.
Michigan State Fades Public With Recent Red Ink
Along the same lines, Michigan State has not covered three of its last four games. Additionally, MSU went over the bet on NCAA basketball total in three of their most recent five games. MSU is 18-6 straight up and 13-10-1 against the spread. Accordingly, the Spartans have national metrics of 122nd for scoring offense and 100th for points allowed.
Illinois Fighting Illini at Michigan State Spartans Against the Spread
To summarize, Illinois is 55% against the spread in away games. The Fighting Illini is 62% vs. the odds in Big Ten action. Illinois is 63% over the total in away games. And then the Fighting Illini are 50% over and under in Big Ten matchups
Michigan State is 44% against the spread in home games. At the same time, the Spartans are 41% on the board in Big Ten matchups. Michigan State is 53% under the total in-home games. Also, the Spartans are 58% under the number in Big Ten matchups.
In sum, Michigan State is 7-3 against the spread vs. Illinois. The Spartans and Fighting Illini are 2-4 under the total in their series. Meanwhile, Michigan State has covered four consecutive home games vs. Illinois. Illinois and MSU are 1-4 under the total at Michigan State.
Illinois Fighting Illini at Michigan State Spartans CashBet Free Pick
On this occasion, the Breslin Center will be packed and raucous. The atmosphere will be full of 2022 March Madness Betting electricity. In short, Tom Izzo will have his team primed for impact performance.
Illinois at Michigan State CashBet Best Bet:
Michigan State Spartans
