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Opening Odds for Illinois Fighting Illini vs. Iowa Hawkeyes in March Madness 2026 Elite Eight

Opening Odds for Illinois Fighting Illini vs. Iowa Hawkeyes in March Madness 2026 Elite Eight

Sports Betting Picks College Basketball 2026

Published:

By: Bryan Armetta

Illinois impressed on Friday, taking down #2 Houston by a score of 65-55. It’s the third straight NCAA Tournament victory for the Fighting Illini, one of the nation’s most dangerous squads. This is the second time in three years that this program has advanced to the Elite Eight.

Iowa has been the biggest surprise of March Madness, highlighted by a dramatic victory last weekend over defending champion Florida. Thursday’s matchup saw the Hawkeyes pull off an epic second half comeback against Big Ten rival Nebraska. Since 1985, only two #9-seeds have reached the Final Four.

Illinois vs. Iowa opening odds

The Fighting Illini open as 6.5-point favorites (-115) on DraftKings Sportsbook, with the Hawkeyes listed at +235 on the moneyline. The point total is set at 138.5.

This game will take place on Saturday, March 28th at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. Tip-off is scheduled for 6:09 PM ET.

Bryan Armetta

I am a promoter at DraftKings and am also an avid fan and user and may sometimes play on my personal account in the games that I offer advice on. Although I have expressed my personal view on the games and strategies above, they do not necessarily reflect the view(s) of DraftKings and do not constitute a representation that any particular strategy will guarantee success. All customers should use their own skills and judgment in building lineups. I may also deploy different players and strategies than what I recommend above. I am not an employee of DraftKings and do not have access to any non-public information.