Who's Playing

Houston @ Illinois

Regular Season Records: Houston 30-5; Illinois 23-9

What to Know

The #19 Illinois Fighting Illini and the #15 Houston Cougars are set to clash at 12:10 p.m. ET March 20 at PPG Paints Arena in the second round of the NCAA Tournament.

Illinois escaped with a win this past Friday against the Chattanooga Mocs by the margin of a single free throw, 54-53. It was another big night for the Fighting Illini's center Kofi Cockburn, who posted a double-double on 17 points and 13 rebounds along with three blocks.

Meanwhile, Houston earned some more postseason success in their matchup this past Friday. They enjoyed a cozy 82-68 win over the UAB Blazers. The Cougars can attribute much of their success to guard Kyler Edwards, who shot 6-for-8 from downtown and finished with 25 points and seven boards.

Illinois is expected to lose this next one by 3.5. They have failed bettors playing the spread in their past four games, so buyers beware.

With both teams having displayed their playoff mettle, spectators can expect a high-quality game. Check back with CBS Sports for more details during and after the game.

How To Watch

  • When: Sunday at 12:10 p.m. ET
  • Where: PPG Paints Arena -- Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
  • TV: CBS
  • Follow: CBS Sports App

Odds

The Cougars are a 3.5-point favorite against the Fighting Illini, according to the latest college basketball odds.

The oddsmakers had a good feel for the line for this one, as the game opened with the Cougars as a 4.5-point favorite.

Over/Under: -111

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Series History

This is the first time these teams have played each other within the last seven years.

Injury Report for Illinois

  • Austin Hutcherson: Out for the Season (Back)

Injury Report for Houston

  • Marcus Sasser: Out for the Season (Toe)
  • Tramon Mark: Out for the Season (Shoulder)
  • Kiyron Powell: Out for the Season (Not Injury Related)