This is the first game outside the state of Texas for the Longhorns. Both teams have played good opponents, but Illinois has already played neutral court games. Texas has one of the best defenses in the country, but aren’t the best offensively. The Illini also have good defense and are more efficient offensively especially from the free-throw line, if it comes down to it. The Illini match-up well against the Longhorns. I’m on Illinois.

Jimmy V Classic from New York. Illinois is pretty good but Texas looks like a national title contender and is only giving 2.5? The Longhorns are off to a 6-0 start with a pair of victories against AP Top 10 opponents (No. 2 Gonzaga and No. 7 Creighton). This marks UT's first 6-0 start since the 2014-15 season (opened the year with seven straight wins). The UT backcourt of Tyrese Hunter and Marcus Carr (who I swear has been playing college hoops for like nine years) is one of the nation's best.

I really like attacking the total here in a matchup between two teams are that well-coached and tough on the defensive end. Both Texas and Illinois rank in the top 12 in adjusted defensive efficiency, per KenPom (Longhorns are No. 3, Illini are No. 12), and Texas specifically has been a great under team this year. The Longhorns are 1-3-2 to the under through six games, a reflection of how Chris Beard’s defense gives you nothing easy and makes opponents work through the shot clock for anything close to a good look.