Illinois vs. Xavier prediction, picks, odds for 2025 men's NCAA Tournament
It's Illinois vs Xavier in the 2025 NCAA Tournament first round. See our expert picks and predictions for the March Madness bracket, along with where to watch and game time.
Editor's note: Follow Men's March Madness live updates and scores from Friday's first-round action.
The 2025 men's NCAA Tournament is here, folks. First-round action continues on Friday with a matchup between Illinois and Xavier in the Midwest Region.
The Illinois Fighting Illini finished the 2024-25 season with a 21-12 record, good for seventh in the Big Ten. That earned them a No. 6 seed in the 2025 March Madness bracket. Their opponent, the Xavier Musketeers, finished fourth in the Big East with a 22-11 record. That earned them a No. 11 seed in the Big Dance but required a First Four win over the Texas Longhorns to reach the Round of 64.
Illinois ranks as the 20th-best team in the KenPom rankings, sporting the 15th-ranked offense and 41st-ranked defense. Meanwhile, Xavier ranks 43rd overall with the 52nd-ranked offense and 44th-ranked defense.
Here's how our experts see Friday's first-round clash playing out. Be sure to check out Paste BN's complete March Madness bracket predictions to see our team's picks for every game. While you're at it, don't forget to read our tournament bold predictions and upset picks.
Illinois vs. Xavier picks and predictions
- Jordan Mendoza: Illinois
- Paul Myerberg: Xavier
- Erick Smith: Illinois
- Eddie Timanus: Illinois
- Dan Wolken: Illinois
- Wes Huett: Illinois 80, Xavier 78
- Shelby Dermer: Xavier 81, Illinois 77
Our experts are leaning towards Illinois advancing in this contest. The Peoria Journal Star's Wes Huett is backing Xavier to cover the 3.5-point spread, while the Cincinnati Enquirer's Shelby Dermer is taking the Musketeers to win outright. Both of them are going under the 160.5-point total.
Illinois vs. Xavier date, start time, where to watch
- Game Day: Friday, March 21, 2025
- Game Time: 9:45 p.m. ET
- Location: Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee
- TV Channel: CBS
- Live Stream: Fubo
Watch Illinois vs. Xavier on Fubo (free trial)
Illinois vs. Xavier odds
Odds as of Thursday, March 20 via BetMGM.
- Spread: Illinois -3.5 (-105)
- Moneyline Favorite: Illinois -160
- Moneyline Underdog: Xavier +135
- Total: 160.5
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