Illinois vs. Kentucky

Illinois is on an 8-10 spread run. They got knocked out of the Big Ten tournament by Maryland in an 88-65 drubbing. They also didn't last long in last year's Big Dance getting wiped out by UConn, 77-52. The defense was just 14th in the 18-team Big Ten in points given up (74.6 per game) and 11th at defending the 3-pointer (33.5%). Kentucky offers a tough challenge as the Wildcats utilize their depth by running at teams, fourth in the nation averaging 85 points and 21st in shooting (48.2%). Kentucky has a 12 RPI ranking while Illinois is 31st, plus the SEC is No. 1 in RPI. Play Kentucky.