SAM HOUSTON ST BEARKATS @ ILL

A demanding stretch for Illinois

This is Illinois’ second of three games in eight days, between a road loss at Texas Tech and Tuesday’s trip to Duke.

Illinois’ response after the Texas Tech setback

Illinois fell 22 points behind at Texas Tech, pulled within one, but could not complete the comeback; the recap flagged 16 turnovers. Underwood said Illinois’ guards controlled the first half before the team melted under pressure and adversity.

Availability could affect Illinois’ rotation

Illinois’ notes list David Mirkovic sidelined after foot surgery and Jake Davis out with a shoulder injury, leaving two frontcourt options unavailable. Underwood said, “both of us at some point will get some of our best players back.”

A first meeting, with a familiar opponent for Underwood

Illinois and Sam Houston have not previously met; Underwood went 8-0 against the Bearkats while coaching Stephen F. Austin.

Sam Houston arrives after a close win

Sam Houston is 2-1 after an 85-77 win over Pepperdine, while Illinois is also 2-1; the Bearkats face a major step up in opponent at Champaign.

Pick Ideas

Angles drawn from the matchup analysis above and refreshed as the news changes. They are a separate read from the LineCrush pick for this matchup, so the two can land on different sides.

Sam Houston +36.5

A small lean toward Sam Houston at +36.5; the listed spread is around -105.

Andrej Stojakovic over 18.5 points

Consider Andrej Stojakovic over 18.5 points at -110; Illinois’ notes list him at 21.0 points per game through three contests, though a large lead could create minutes uncertainty.