Making on a bet on this NCAA game featuring the Dukes versus the Fighting Illini? Tip off is at at 12:00 ET, and you can watch it all unfold on TNT. The game will be played at CHI Health Center Omaha in Omaha, NE. The odds for this non-conference game currently have Illinois as the -9.5 favorite, with the over/under line sitting at 149.5 points.

DUQUESNE DUKES VS ILLINOIS FIGHTING ILLINI BETTING PICK

The Pick: Duquesne Dukes +9.5

This game will be played at CHI Health Center Omaha at 12:00 ET on Saturday, March 23rd.

WHY BET THE DUQUESNE DUKES:

  • We have this one finishing with a projected score of 74-70 in favor of the Fighting Illini.
  • Even though we have Illinois winning straight-up, we like Duquesne at +9.5.
  • The over/under is currently sitting at 149.5 points, and we like the under with a projected 144 points.

Can Duquesne Lock in a Road Win?

Duquesne has played 36 games so far this season, and currently have a 25-11 record. Out of those 36 games, the Dukes have played 15 on the road and have a record of 8-7. At home, they have played 20 games and have a record of 16-4. Against the spread, Duquesne has a record of 19-16 thus far this season. In their last ten games, Duquesne has a perfect 5-0 mark vs. the spread.

So far, Duquesne’s games have averaged 136.7 points per game with the average over/under line being 142.7 points. In their most recent three games, the Dukes’ over/under record is 0-3, with their games averaging 125 points per game.

In their recent game, the Dukes’ offense concluded with 71 points, consistent with their ongoing season average of 70.8 points per contest. Leading the team in scoring was Dae Dae Grant with 19 points. Jakub Necas also added 12 points for the Dukes.

This season, the Duquesne defense has been impressive, holding the 32nd position in the country while permitting an average of 66.1 points per contest. In their previous game vs. BYU, the Cougars finished with a field goal percentage of 38% and a total of 67 points vs. Duquesne.

Can Illinois Lock in a Home Win?

Illinois, with a record of 27-8, is set to play their 36th game of the season. The Fighting Illini have gone 7-5 on the road and 21-3 at home. Illinois’ record vs. the spread heading into today’s game is 19-15-2. In their last five games, the team is 4-1 against the spread.

Up to this point, games involving Illinois have had an average of 157.9 points per game, with the average over/under line set at 149.8 points. Their over/under record is 26-10-0. In their most recent three games, the Fighting Illini’s over/under record is 3-0, with their games averaging 173 points per game.

Illinois’ offense is coming off a strong performance vs. Morehead State, finishing the game with a total of 85 points. Their season average is now 84.4 points per game. Leading Illinois in scoring vs. Morehead State was Terrence Shannon Jr. with his 26 points. Dain Dainja also added 21 points for the Fighting Illini.

Coming into today’s game, the Illinois defense is giving up an average of 73.7 points per contest. In terms of field goal percentage allowed, Illinois’ defense has allowed opponents to shoot 43.4% from the field, including a three-point shooting percentage allowed of 33.9% this season.