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Arkansas vs Illinois: Line, Prediction, TV Channel & Live Stream for 2023 NCAA Tournament

By Matt Melton

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - MARCH 10: Nick Smith Jr. #3 of the Arkansas Razorbacks dribbles down the court of the against the Texas A&M Aggies in the first half during the quarterfinals of the 2023 SEC Men's Basketball Tournament at Bridgestone Arena on March 10, 2023 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Carly Mackler/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - MARCH 10: Nick Smith Jr. #3 of the Arkansas Razorbacks dribbles down the court of the against the Texas A&M Aggies in the first half during the quarterfinals of the 2023 SEC Men's Basketball Tournament at Bridgestone Arena on March 10, 2023 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Carly Mackler/Getty Images) /
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One of the more intriguing 2023 NCAA Tournament Round of 64 matchups Thursday comes from the 8/9 showdown in the West Region where Arkansas and Illinois will meet. The Razorbacks and Fighting Illini have played five times all-time, with Illinois having won all five prior meetings, most recently in 2004.

Beginning with Arkansas, the Razorbacks, who are led by head coach Eric Musselman, are sitting at 20-13 overall so far this season, a record that included an 8-10 mark in SEC play to finish tenth in the conference. A No. 8 seed in the 2023 NCAA Tournament, the Razorbacks are making their third consecutive March Madness appearance, having reached the Elite 8 in both of the prior trips.

The Razorbacks are currently averaging 74.4 PPG as a team led by one of the SEC’s top scorers in Ricky Council IV at 15.9 PPG, while also allowing 67.4 PPG to opponents. Arkansas also ranks No. 8 nationally with 5.2 BPG, and have five others averaging at-least 7+ PPG in Nick Smith Jr., Anthony Black, Davonte Davis, Jordan Walsh, and Makhi Mitchell.

Led by head coach Brad Underwood, Illinois is currently sitting at 20-12 overall this season, while also having went 11-9 in Big Ten play to finish fifth in the conference. The Fighting Illini are a No. 9 seed this year’s NCAA Tournament, and are also making their third consecutive March Madness appearance, with both prior showings having been a second round exit.

The Fighting Illini are currently averaging 74.7 PPG offensively, while also allowing 67 PPG, and are led by First Team All-Big Ten selection Terrence Shannon Jr. at 17.1 PPG and 4.7 RPG. Illinois also has one other double-digit scorer in forward Matthew Mayer, while others such as Coleman Hawkins, Dain Dainja, Jayden Epps, and RJ Melendez are additional names to know.

Arkansas vs Illinois Line, Spread, Over/Under

As of Wednesday afternoon, Arkansas is a 1.5-point favorite over Illinois according to FanDuel, with the Razorbacks -130, while the Fighting Illini are +108. The over/under is also set at 143.5.

Arkansas vs Illinois 2023 NCAA Tournament Prediction

As expected with the 8/9 matchup, this will not be an easy game for Arkansas by any means. I’ll say however that the Razorbacks get big performances from their star freshmen such as Smith and Black, and for Arkansas to move on to the Round of 32. Prediction: Arkansas 74, Illinois 70

What Channel is the Arkansas vs Illinois Game On?

The 8/9 first round matchup in the West Region of the 2023 NCAA Tournament, Arkansas and Illinois will play from Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines, IA on Thursday, March 16. Tipoff is set for 4:30 PM ET on TBS.

Arkansas vs Illinois Live Stream

The Round of 64 matchup at the 2023 NCAA Tournament between Arkansas and Illinois can be found here on fuboTV.

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change 

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