It’s a Big Ten battle as the Fighting Illini take on the Hawkeyes of Iowa. Number 12 Illinois is looking good, hoping to defend their home turf. They should be able to come out of this one with a win, but anything can happen in college basketball. Let’s break down this matchup.

Now Iowa’s basketball strength definitely is on the other gender as Caitlin Clark is the biggest star in college basketball right now. Sorry Edey. Still, they’re not terrible with a record of 16-11. Two players average over 15, and four total players are passed that double digit average. They score the 15th most points in NCAA. Sure there are some holes defensively, but they’ve scored enough in 16 of their games for that not to matter. Will that be enough to walk into Illinois and get the upset?

If you ask me I would say no. The Fighting Illini are ranked high for a reason, and have been pretty hot recently. They took an L last time out, but are 7-3 in their last ten. They’ve beaten some good teams, and have a pretty complete roster with a top 20 offense and a respectable defense. Terrence Shannon has been an absolute stud averaging over 22 points a game, and three others also in double figures. I just think the talent and atmosphere will be to much for this Iowa team which is why I like Illinois in this one.