Penn Quakers vs Illinois Fighting Illini Picks and Predictions for Thursday March 19 2026

By: Kim Smith Published 03/19/2026, 01:25 AM ET

The Penn Quakers take on the Illinois Fighting Illini at Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, South Carolina, with tip-off set for 9:25 PM on TNT. Illinois enters as a massive -6500 favorite while Penn is +2000, with the total set at 151.5 and the Illini favored by 24.5 points. Be sure to check out our free college basketball picks for more tournament action and expert insights.

Quakers Enter with Confidence

Penn comes into this matchup with an 18-11 record and strong recent form, recently winning over Yale, Harvard (twice), Brown, and Dartmouth. Their current winning streak highlights their ability to execute offensively and maintain consistency.

The Quakers are averaging 76.1 points per game while allowing 73.3, shooting 44% from the field. They also contribute 36.4 rebounds and 14.0 assists per game, showing a balanced offensive approach.

One key concern for Penn is their defense, as they allow over 73 points per game. Against a high-powered offense, this could present challenges throughout the game.

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Illini Bring Size and Offensive Balance

Illinois enters this game with a 24-8 record and solid recent play, recently winning over Maryland and Oregon while recently losing to Wisconsin, Michigan, and UCLA. They have faced tough competition down the stretch.

The Fighting Illini are averaging 84.4 points per game while allowing 69.8, shooting 46% from the field. They also dominate the glass with 40.7 rebounds and contribute 14.7 assists per game.

Illinois’ biggest strength is their physical presence and ability to control the boards. Combined with their scoring ability, they can dictate the flow of the game and wear down opponents.

Penn vs Illinois Pick

Illinois -24.5

Illinois has a significant advantage in size, depth, and overall talent. While Penn has been playing well, the Illini’s ability to control the boards and score efficiently should allow them to pull away and cover the spread.

Penn vs Illinois Total Pick

Over 151.5

I like the over here because Illinois can score at a high level, and Penn has shown they can contribute offensively as well. This combination gives the game a strong chance to exceed the total.

Final Score Prediction: Illinois 88, Penn 62

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