The No. 7 UCLA Bruins (3-0) and 20th-ranked Illinois Fighting Illini (3-0) face off in Las Vegas Friday at 9:30 p.m. ET (ESPNU). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the UCLA vs. Illinois odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.
Both have yet to play a game off their home court this season, which changes in this 4-team tourney at T-Mobile Arena that also includes No. 6 Baylor and 14th-ranked Virginia. Championship and consolation games are Sunday.
UCLA’s 3 victories — each by a minimum of 24 points — came against Sacramento State, Long Beach State and Norfolk State. The Bruins scored 76, 93 and 86 points, respectively, in those contests.
Illinois scored 87, 86 and 103 points in its first 3 games against Eastern Illinois, Kansas City and Monmouth, respectively. All 3 wins were by 30 points or more, helping the Illini break into the Top 25.