Illinois vs. Morehead State Odds, Opening Spread, Predictions for 2024 NCAA Tournament

Illinois vs. Morehead State Odds, Opening Spread, Predictions for 2024 NCAA Tournament article feature image
Credit:

David Berding/Getty Images. Pictured: Dain Dainja and Terrence Shannon Jr.

Illinois vs. Morehead State Odds

Morehead St Logo
Thursday, Mar 21
3:10pm ET
truTV
Illinois Logo
Morehead St Odds
SpreadTotalMoneyline
+12.5
-110
148.5
-105o / -115u
+590
Illinois Odds
SpreadTotalMoneyline
-12.5
-110
148.5
-105o / -115u
-900
Odds via FanDuel. Get up-to-the-minute NCAAB odds here.
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The 2024 NCAA Tournament field has been announced and Illinois will take on Morehead State in Round 1 of the East region. Here's everything you need to know about Illinois vs. Morehead State odds, spread and more.

Illinois opened as a 13.5-point favorite over Morehead State in the first round off the NCAA Tournament, with the total set at over/under 148.5 points scored by both teams combined.

Find out how 3-seeded Illinois and 14-seeded Morehead State matchup statistically ahead of their opening round matchup.


Statistical Matchup

IllinoisMorehead St.
OFFRankRankDEF
Effective FG%489Effective FG%
Turnover %62285Turnover %
Rebound Rate1768Rebound Rate
Free Throw Rate58185Free Throw Rate
Tempo56335Tempo
DEFRankRankOFF
Effective FG%5535Effective FG%
Turnover %360278Turnover %
Rebound Rate5984Rebound Rate
Free Throw Rate41229Free Throw Rate

Illinois vs. Morehead State Analysis

Styles clash in this opening-round battle.

Illinois has become a force in transition this year, riding the speed and downhill playmaking of Terrence Shannon to become one of the country’s best offenses.

The underdog Eagles will slow this game to a crawl, though — a common trend for them in the OVC, one of the country’s fastest leagues. Their “zig while the others zag” style has been a boon, with young coaching star Preston Spradlin serving as a constant winner over the past few seasons.

Containing Marcus Domask in the mid-post is another vital component for competing against Illinois. Morehead has a couple of bigger wings and guards who can battle him there; the Illini cannot simply pick on a tiny guard in mismatches.

Similar to Illinois’ near-loss against Chattanooga two years ago in a 5/12 matchup, this should turn into a slog. Morehead State has the size and athleticism to compete for 40 minutes.

Pick: Morehead State +13.5

–Jim Root


For more coverage of the 2024 NCAA Tournament and Selection Sunday, make sure to check out our experts' live reactions to the bracket reveal and the Selection Sunday live show, where you can get their instant analysis on every matchup as well as some early insights to help you make your bets.

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