- Matchup: Oregon Ducks vs Illinois Fighting Illini
- Event Date: Tuesday, March 3, 2026
- Venue: State Farm Center, Champaign, IL
- Broadcast: ESPN+
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The Illinois Fighting Illini (22-7) will face off against the Oregon Ducks (11-17) at State Farm Center this Tuesday.
In their previous match, the Oregon Ducks played against Northwestern but fell short, losing 63-62. During the game, both teams committed 13 personal fouls. Oregon managed to convert 4 of their 16 attempts from beyond the arc. Northwestern hit 9 of their 12 free throws, finishing with a free throw percentage of 75.0%. On the boards, Northwestern grabbed 31 rebounds (11 offensive, 20 defensive) without any blocks. They also recorded 17 assists and made 11 steals. Defensively, the Ducks allowed their opponents to shoot 44.6% from the field, completing 25 of 56 attempts. Oregon compiled 17 assists, forced 11 turnovers, and collected 5 steals. In terms of rebounding, they secured a total of 31, with 12 being offensive rebounds. The Ducks shot 75.0% from the free throw line, making 9 of their 12 attempts. They concluded the contest with a field goal percentage of 39.0%, completing 23 of 59 shots, including 7 out of 19 three-point attempts.
Nathan Bittle played a significant role in this matchup, achieving a field goal percentage of 61.5%, along with 3 assists. He logged 39 minutes on the court, totaling 9 rebounds and contributing 19 points on 8 of 13 shooting.
As the season unfolds, Oregon holds a record of 11-17. They average 71.6 points per game (ranked 284th nationally) while shooting 43.0% from the field. The Ducks succeed on 32.5% of their three-point attempts (223 of 687) and 72.5% at the charity stripe. As a team, Oregon averages 34.7 rebounds per game and has accumulated 396 assists thus far, placing them 203rd nationally. They commit an average of 12.0 turnovers and 15.9 personal fouls per game.
On the defensive front, the Ducks enforce 10.7 turnovers per game while drawing 17.1 fouls. They rank 162nd in college basketball for allowing assists, with 378 surrendered this season. Oregon permits opponents to shoot 44.0% from the field (713 of 1,621) and gives away 34.0 rebounds on average. Their opponents succeed on 34.1% of their three-point attempts, positioning the Ducks 195th in points allowed per game (74.1).
In their last outing, the Illinois Fighting Illini suffered a defeat, losing to Michigan 84-70. Team rebounding efforts allowed Michigan to gather 30 rebounds (10 offensive). The Illini shot 36.4% from deep, converting 8 of 22 three-point shots, while finishing at 82.4% from the free throw line (14 of 17). Michigan registered a field goal percentage of 52.5%, making 31 of 59 attempts. The Fighting Illini shot 41.3%, hitting 26 of 63 field goals, and made 9 of 29 attempts beyond the arc (31.0%). They went to the free throw line 12 times after Michigan committed 14 fouls, turning the ball over 9 times, while acquiring 5 steals. Illinois recorded 13 defensive rebounds and 11 offensive rebounds for a total of 24 rebounds in that game.
Keaton Wagler was crucial for the Fighting Illini, scoring 23 points on 7 of 17 shooting (41.2%), securing 4 rebounds and contributing 3 assists in 38 minutes of gameplay.
Illinois holds an impressive record of 22-7 this season. On the offensive side, the Fighting Illini are shooting 46.3% from the field, ranking 123rd nationally. They have amassed 2,454 points this season (averaging 84.6 per game) while grabbing 40.8 rebounds per contest. They average 14.7 assists per game (126th in the country) and commit 9.1 turnovers each game. The Fighting Illini’s foul average is 13.2 per contest, and they have an impressive free throw shooting rate of 79.1%.
Defensively, Illinois concedes 32.4% on three-point attempts (244 of 754) and allows opposing teams to shoot 72.5% from the foul line. They give up 13.5 assists and 30.7 rebounds per game, ranking 198th and 21st nationally, respectively. Defensively, the Fighting Illini rank 67th in Division 1 for points allowed per game, averaging 69.6, while forcing 7.8 turnovers per game and limiting opponents to 41.1% shooting (41st in college basketball).
Who will emerge victorious in tonight’s NCAA matchup against the spread?
Prediction: Take Illinois
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