Illinois vs. UConn Final Score Prediction for NCAA Tournament Final Four (Bet Huskies to Win in Nail-Biter)

The Final Four will begin on Saturday with a matchup between the UConn Huskies from the Big East and the Illinois Fighting Illini from the Big Ten.

Both teams have played in exciting games throughout the NCAA Tournament, and if the spread is any indication, this will be enough one that's going to come down to the wire. Let's take a look at the odds for the game, and then I'll predict what the final score will be.

Illinois vs. UConn Odds, Spread, and Total

Odds via DraftKings Sportsbook

Spread

Illinois -1.5 (-118)
UConn +1.5 (-102)

Moneyline

Illinois -130
UConn +110

Total

OVER 139.5 (-108)
UNDER 139.5 (-112)

Illinois vs. UConn Final Score Prediction

UConn's defense is going to be the difference maker in this game. There's no denying that Illinois is an elite shooting team, but they rank just 69th in the country in defensive efficiency. Meanwhile, UConn ranks 14th in that metric. Not only that, but their interior defense is elite, ranking 13th in the country in opponent two-point field goal percentage.

You also have to note how the experience Dan Hurley has when it comes to coaching in these big spots, as well as how good he is at drawing up game plans to shut down strong offenses, just like he did against Duke in the second half of their Elite Eight game.

If you're going to give me points with the more experienced team that has better defensive numbers, I'm going to take that bet every time.

When it comes to the total, I think the defense of the Huskies is once again going to play a big role. The three-point shooting of the Illini has a high-level of volatility, which, paired with the UConn defense, could lead to this being a low-scoring game from start to finish.

Both teams also play at a slow pace. Illinois ranks 296th in adjusted tempo, and UConn ranks 319th. Expect most possessions to take up the majority of the shot clock.

I'll back the Huskies to win a nail-biter in a low-scoring Final Four matchup.

Final Score Prediction: Illinois 63, UConn 64

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