The No. 20 Illinois Fighting Illini (6-1) and the No. 11 Florida Atlantic Owls (7-1) link up in the 2023 Jimmy V Classic on Tuesday. This will be just the second game in history between these schools. The only other contest took place in 2018 when FAU defeated the Fighting Illini 73-71 in overtime.
Tipoff from Madison Square Garden is 6:30 p.m. ET. The Owls are 2-point favorites in the latest Illinois vs. FAU odds via SportsLine consensus, while the over/under for total points scored is set at 146.5. Before making any FAU vs. Illinois picks, you’ll want to see the predictions from SportsLine’s proven model.
The model simulates every Division I college basketball game 10,000 times. It enters Week 5 of the 2023-24 season on a 98-61 roll on all top-rated college basketball picks dating back to last season, returning more than $2,000 for $100 players. It is also off to a 10-2 start on top-rated spread picks this season. Anyone following has seen huge returns.
The model has set its sights on FAU vs. Illinois. You can head to SportsLine to see it picks. Here are several college basketball betting lines for the Illinois vs. FAU:
Illinois vs. FAU spread: FAU -2Illinois vs. FAU over/under: 146.5 pointsIllinois vs. FAU money line: FAU -137, Illinois +115ILL: 3-4 ATS this season FAU: 6-2 ATS this seasonIllinois vs. FAU picks: See picks at SportsLine
Why Illinois can cover
Senior guard Terrence Shannon Jr. is a high-flying scorer who attacks the lane with ease. The Illinois native logs 20 points, 4.4 rebounds and 2.9 assists per game. He’s scored at least 20 points in four of his last five games. In the win over Rutgers, Shannon Jr. notched a double-double of 23 points and 10 rebounds.
Junior guard Luke Goode is a floor-spacing threat with a nice jumper. The Indiana native averages 8.9 points, 4.9 rebounds and shoots 45% from downtown. On Nov. 17 against Valparaiso, Goodie had 13 points, seven rebounds and made four 3-pointers. He’s knocked down at least two 3-pointers in four of his last five games. See who to back at SportsLine.
Why FAU can cover
Junior guard Alijah Martin is a three-level scorer in the backcourt. Martin spaces the floor due to his range and rebounds well for his size (6’2). The Mississippi native ranks third on the team in both points (13.5) and rebounds (5.1). He has racked up at least 13 points in four straight games. On Nov. 30 versus Liberty, Martin totaled 20 points and six boards.
Senior guard Bryan Greenlee is another playmaker for the Owls. Greenlee has good court vision and a knack for creating good looks at the rim. The Florida native averages 9.0 points and 3.6 assists per game. He’s recorded at least 10 points and three assists in four of his last five games. On Nov. 24 against Texas A&M, Greenlee had 12 points and five assists. See who to back at SportsLine.
How to make FAU vs. Illinois picks
The model has simulated Illinois vs. FAU 10,000 times and the results are in. The model is leaning Under, and it also says one side of the spread is the better value. You can only see the pick at SportsLine.
So who wins Illinois vs. FAU, and which side of the spread is the better value? Visit SportsLine now to find out which side of the spread you need to jump on, all from the model that is on a 98-61 roll on its top-ranked college basketball picks, and find out.
