NCAA Basketball Free Predictions: Michigan Wolverines vs. Illinois Fighting Illini

Remember the scene near the end of ‘Titanic’ where Leonardo DiCaprio looked at Kate Winslet and begged, “Hang on, Rose!” as the great ship began its final descent into a watery grave? That’s about where things are right now at Champaign.

Believe it or not, when Illinois upset then No. 5 Ohio State on January 10, some bracketologists had the Illini pegged as a No. 2 seed in the NCAA Tournament.

Since then, however, Bruce Weber’s team has self-destructed with a horrifi c 1-9 SU and 1-8-1 ATS skein (lost six straight games prior to Iowa on 2-26) that may just bring an end to Weber’s nine-year tenure at the school.

So how can we suggest you risk your hard-earned money on a reeling team whose season has clearly unraveled? Trusting in our database, for one thing, which suggests NOW is the right time to take a shot with the Illini.

That’s because coach Weber has enjoyed great success in today’s role. He’s 5-0 SU and ATS at home in this series with revenge and also owns a 6-0 SU and 5-1 ATS mark in Last Home Games versus a .750 or less foe.

If that doesn’t pique your interest, how about Michigan’s weak 2-6 SU and 3-5 ATS effort on the road versus winning opposition this year? Or the fact that the visitor in this series has cashed in only FIVE of the last 26 meetings?
All good stuff but we think the biggest reason to back the hosts tonight is this: it will most likely be Weber’s last appearance on the sidelines at Assembly Hall.

That and the emotional sendoff of Senior Day tells us Illinois will summon up their most complete effort of the year and close out the regular betting season with a win for victory-starved players and fans alike.

The Illini finally show some fight in what could be Weber’s swan song.