Illinois vs Iowa Hawkeyes Prediction & Picks - NCAA Basketball

Prediction published on 3/28/26, 2:55 PM  by Travis Pulver | Modified on 4/17/26 at 5:36 AM in NCAA Basketball Picks

The Iowa Hawkeyes are set to face the Illinois Fighting Illini in the Elite 8 today at the Toyota Center in Houston, TX. Fans can follow the action once the game gets underway at 6:09 p.m. EST.

With a 77-71 upset win over Nebraska in the Sweet 16, Iowa became the first No. 9 seed to make it to the Elite 8 since Kansas in 2023 and just the fourth in Tournament history (Wichita State, 2013, and George Mason in 2006). They’ll need to control the pace if they are going to record another upset and make the Final Four. Illinois likes to play an up-tempo game, emphasizing early attacks, disrupting opponents, and creating shots. However, the Fighting Illini can get a little sloppy with the ball at times, and their half-court game can suffer if they are forced to slow down.

Iowa, on the other hand, thrives in its efficient half-court offense, a system they know quite well. If they can get hot from 3-point range, they could put Illinois in an early hole. However, they have had issues dealing with what Illinois does: they struggle to keep up with athletic teams, and their defense becomes questionable in transition.