Illinois has plenty to play for with a 16-8 record and six games left. This is a team that has played close games all the way, decided by 1, 5, 5, 2, 4, 5 (in overtime), 1 and 4 points in eight of their last nine games. Three games ago they were a dog to No. 9 Michigan State, but beat the Spartans 42-41 with a terrific defensive effort, allowing 24% shooting! In fact, Illinois is 3-2 against ranked teams this year, owning victories over No. 19 Gonzaga, No. 5 Ohio State and No. 9 Michigan State. You can't push around this Illinois frontcourt, led by 7-foot-1 Meyers Leonard, with the Illini third in the Big 10 in rebounds and fourth in team defense allowing 38.6% shooting. Michigan is just 4-4 SU/4-3-1 ATS its last eight games and 5-14 ATS in their last 19 games after allowing less than 50 points in their previous game. They've been in win one, lose one mode the last eight games and the Wolverines are 0-4-1 ATS in their last five games following a win. Look for a close one, so play Illinois.
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