Illinois vs Iowa prediction, analysis, Elite Eight expert picks for men’s March Madness

The men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament continues with Elite Eight action Saturday with No. 3 Illinois vs. No. 9 Iowa on the two-game schedule.

USA TODAY Sports’ college basketball experts have analyzed all the angles and determined a path to victory for each side. Here’s everything you need to know before the Elite Eight matchup tips off.

USA TODAY has a team of journalists covering the men’s NCAA Tournament to keep you up to date with every point scored, rebound grabbed and game won in the 68-team tournament.

Illinois will win Elite Eight game vs Iowa if…

• John Leuzzi: It replicates what it did defensively against Houston.
• Jordan Mendoza: It controls the interior.
• Ehsan Kassim: Wagler can win the matchup against Stirtz.
• Austin Curtright: If its defense plays like it did against Houston.

Iowa will win Elite Eight game vs Illinois  if…

• John Leuzzi: It limits Illinois on offensive rebounds, and second chance opportunities.
• Jordan Mendoza: it’s knocking down 3-pointers.
• Ehsan Kassim: Hawkeyes can make the game slower paced and Illinois misses shots.
• Austin Curtright: Its bench contributors of Alvaro Folgueiras, Tate Sage and others continue their strong play.

Illinois vs Iowa: 1 Stat to watch

• John Leuzzi: Bennett Stirtz vs. Keaton Wagler at the point guard battle.
• Jordan Mendoza: 3-point shot.
• Ehsan Kassim: Illinois 3-point shooting.
• Austin Curtright: Illinois’ defense has been outstanding in the NCAA Tournament, despite ranking outside the top 20 in KenPom’s adjusted defensive efficiency.

Illinois vs Iowa Elite Eight prediction

• John Leuzzi: Iowa
• Jordan Mendoza: Illinois
• Ehsan Kassim: Illinois
• Austin Curtright: Illinois

3 Illinois vs 9 Iowa

• Opening Moneyline: Illinois (-275), Iowa (+227)
• Opening Spread: Illinois (-6.5)
• Opening Total: 139.5

How to Watch Illinois vs Iowa in the Elite Eight

No. 3 Illinois takes on No. 9 Iowa at Toyota Center on March 28 at 6:09 PM The game is airing on TBS.

Stream March Madness on Sling

2026 Men’s March Madness full schedule

See the schedule, live scores and results for all of the NCAA Tournament action here.

• March 17-18: First Four
• March 19-20: First Round
• March 21-22: Second Round
• March 26-27: Sweet 16
• March 28-29: Elite 8
• April 4: Final Four
• April 6: National Championship