Illinois vs. Loyola Chicago Betting Odds: Spread, Analysis For 2021 NCAA Tournament Second Round

#1 Illinois vs. #8 Loyola Chicago Odds

That sets up a second round date between the Big Ten champs and a team that made the Final Four just a few years ago. We make the Illini a 6-point favorite, with a low total at 129.

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How Illinois & Loyola Chicago Match Up

What To Know About Illinois

The Illini were set to make their return to the NCAA Tournament last season before COVID-19 put a halt to the sports world, but they’re going to be a serious factor in 2021. Illinois gets almost 40 points per game from its two stars in guard Ayo Dosunmu and center Kofi Cockburn.

Dosunmu is averaging 20-plus points, as well as six rebounds and five assists while shooting nearly 50% from the floor, while Cockburn is shooting 66%. The Illini are more than just that duo, though, as highlighted when they beat then-No. 2 Michigan by 23 points without Dosunmu earlier in March. Illinois is top-10 in KenPom’s adjusted offensive and defense efficiency measures and should be considered a top contender to be the last team to cut down the nets this season. It's a team peaking at the right time as their freshmen and transfer complementary pieces have continued to get better as the season progressed.

This is a clear-cut top-5 team in the nation and is almost unstoppable when Adam Miller and Trent Frazier are making outside shots. They will be extremely difficult to take out, especially with the closing ability of Dosunmu. — Matt Trebby

What To Know About Loyola Chicago

Loyola’s defensive success is predicated on its “No Middle” philosophy and its tireless on-ball pressure in the half-court. The results are staggering, and it starts with Lucas Williamson. The MVC Defensive Player of the Year is one of the best lockdown defenders you’ll ever see, and he excels at taking away an opponent’s top scoring option. Collectively, Loyola’s defense is elite in nearly every metric.

The Ramblers don’t give up easy looks, rebound the ball at a high level and do it all without fouling, so it's no surprise they rank No. 3 in Adjusted Deficiency, per KenPom. They play at a very slow place and don’t give an inch on the defensive end of the floor. A transition-reliant team does not want to run into Loyola.

The offense runs through crafty big man Cameron Krutwig in the post and is not easy to prepare for. This is a bona-fide top-20 (potentially top-10) team in the nation (with Final Four experience and an excellent coach). No team wants to face the Ramblers. — Mike Calabrese