Penn Quakers vs Illinois Fighting Illini March 19, 2026 Prediction, College Basketball Picks, Best Bets & Odds

• Matchup: Penn Quakers vs Illinois Fighting Illini
• Date: Thursday, March 19, 2026
• Venue: Bon Secours Wellness Arena, Greenville, SC
• Broadcast: TNT
• Betting Odds/Spread: Penn (+24)

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This Thursday, the Illinois Fighting Illini (24-8) will face off against the Penn Quakers (18-11) in the first round of the NCAA Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena. Illinois is favored by 24 points according to oddsmakers, with a total score line set at 151.

In their last outing, the Penn Quakers secured a thrilling victory against Yale, finishing the game at 88-84. Penn shot 45.3% from the field (29 of 64) and had a remarkable 50.0% from beyond the arc, sinking 14 of 28 three-point attempts. At the free-throw line, the Quakers were perfect, converting all 16 attempts. They dominated the boards, grabbing a total of 33 rebounds, including 9 on the offensive end. Additionally, they recorded 17 assists, while committing 8 turnovers and securing 5 steals. Defensively, Penn allowed their opponents to shoot 43.7% from the field (31 of 71) while Yale managed 23 assists and 9 steals, finishing the game with 36 rebounds (15 offensive, 21 defensive) but did not register any blocks. Yale shot 76.5% from the free-throw line, netting 13 of 17, and managed to convert 9 out of 24 three-point attempts. Both teams finished with 16 fouls.

A standout for the Quakers was TJ Power, who played 43 minutes, shooting 53.8% from the field along with 2 assists and 14 rebounds, tallying a remarkable 44 points on 14 of 26 shooting.

For the season, Penn boasts an 18-11 record with an average of 76.1 points per game (ranking 169th in Division 1). They shoot 44.0% overall and 38.6% from three-point range (234 of 606), with a free-throw percentage of 69.3%. The Quakers average 36.4 rebounds per game and have amassed a total of 405 assists, ranking 280th nationally for assists. They also average 10.8 turnovers and commit 16.6 fouls per game.

Defensively, the Quakers are capable of forcing 12.5 turnovers per match and average 18.9 personal fouls. They rank 165th in the NCAA for assists allowed, giving up 427 throughout the season. Their opponents shoot 45.1% against them (791 of 1,754) and they allow an average of 36.1 rebounds per game while conceding 31.7% from three-point range. In terms of points allowed, they are ranked 163rd in Division 1, giving up an average of 73.3 points per game.

In their previous game, the Illinois Fighting Illini were narrowly defeated by the Wisconsin Badgers, finishing 91-88. Illinois pulled down 27 defensive rebounds along with 7 offensive boards, totaling 34 rebounds for the game. They committed only 6 turnovers but managed to make 1 steal. Wisconsin committed 19 fouls, allowing Illinois to attempt 15 free throws, of which they converted 9 (60.0%). From three-point range, Illinois shot 29.0%, hitting 9 of their 31 attempts. Overall, the Fighting Illini registered a field goal percentage of 50.0% (35 of 70), while allowing Wisconsin to shoot 42.4% (28 of 66). Illinois struggled from beyond the arc, finishing at 24.4% (10 of 41), but excelled at the free-throw line, converting 25 of 30 (83.3%). Defensively, they allowed Wisconsin to collect 36 rebounds, including 11 offensive boards.

David Mirkovic played a pivotal role in the matchup, scoring 19 points in his 36 minutes, alongside 5 assists. He recorded an impressive shooting percentage of 61.5% (8 of 13) while also grabbing 5 rebounds.

With a season record of 24-8, the Fighting Illini have an offensive shooting percentage of 46.3%, ranking 111th in college. They have accumulated 2,700 points this season, averaging 84.4 points per game, and collect 40.7 rebounds. Illinois averages 14.7 assists per game (ranking 124th in D-1) and has a low turnover rate of 8.9 per game. The Fighting Illini average 13.4 personal fouls per game while shooting an impressive 78.9% from the free-throw line.

The Illinois defense has an opponent shooting percentage from three-point range of 31.4% (268 of 854) and allows 73.4% free-throw shooting. They average 13.3 assists allowed and an average of 31.1 rebounds per game, ranking 181st and 25th respectively in college. In terms of points allowed, they rank 69th in Division 1, allowing 69.8 points per game. The Fighting Illini force an average of 7.8 turnovers per game and hold opponents to a field goal percentage of 41.0% (ranking 36th in college).

Who will emerge victorious in tonight’s NCAA matchup against the spread?

Prediction: Take Penn (+24)