Ross’ Saturday NCAA Torney 5-Unit Top Play
(NCAAB) Duquesne vs. Illinois, 03/23/2024 8:40 PM, Score: 63 - 89
Point Spread: -10.00 | -110.00 Illinois (Home)
Result: Win
Duquesne vs. Illinois 8:40 PM ET
Game# 797-798
Play On: Illinois -10.0

Duquesne is coming off a huge upset win as a 9.5-point underdog on Thursday versus #6 seed BYU of the vaunted Big 12 Conference. The #11 seed Atlantic 10 Conference Tournament champion is now 16-3 in their last 19 and that includes a current 9-game win streak. However, Illinois presents a whole different challenge than BYU. The Illini are #2 nationally in adjusted offensive efficiency and are a very good offensive rebounding team. If Duquesne has a weakness defensively it’s their rebounding. Duquesne ranks #222 nationally in defensive rebounding while Illinois is #16 on the offensive glass. Illinois will also have the best player on the court in this matchup Terrance Shannon Jr. who is a huge difference maker. During his 3 games in the Big 10 Tournament and in the NCAA Round of 64 versus Morehead State during an 85-69 win, Shannon has averaged 30.5 points per contest. Lastly, Illinois has gone a perfect 6-0 SU&ATS in their last 6 following a win by 15 or more and as a favorite of 5.0 or greater. The average margin of victory in those 6 wins and covers came by a substantial average of 28.3 points per game. Give me Illinois minus points.