Illinois Fighting Illini vs Tennessee Volunteers Picks and Predictions December 14th 2024

Illinois Aims for Another No. 1 Upset as Tennessee Visits Champaign

Illinois basketball fans know how to take down giants, and they’ll get another chance Saturday when the Fighting Illini host No. 1 Tennessee. The Volunteers, riding a perfect 9-0 record, bring their top-ranking and deep roster to Champaign, but the Illini are no strangers to toppling basketball royalty.

Tennessee’s Dominance

This season, Tennessee has been nothing short of dominant. The Volunteers have won every game by at least 13 points, including statement victories against Baylor, Virginia, and Syracuse. Their balanced roster, anchored by All-America candidate Zakai Zeigler, has made them a nightmare for opponents on both ends of the floor.

Zeigler averages 12.1 points and 8.1 assists per game, orchestrating a dynamic seven-man rotation. North Florida transfer Chaz Lanier leads the team with 19.1 points per game, providing a scoring punch on the wing. Igor Milicic, a versatile forward, contributes 12.9 points and 7.3 rebounds, while Ohio State transfer Felix Okpara protects the rim with authority.

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Despite their accolades, the Volunteers remain focused on the bigger picture.

“We got ranked No. 1 in the country and, honestly, if you were in the locker room, you wouldn’t have thought that,” Zeigler said. “We know our end goal.”

Illinois: A History of Upsets

The Illini (7-2) have a rich history of upending No. 1 teams. They’ve won three of their last four home games against AP No. 1s, including iconic victories over Magic Johnson-led Michigan State in 1979 and Chris Paul’s Wake Forest in 2004. Saturday’s matchup offers another opportunity to add to that legacy.

Illinois enters with an intriguing mix of young talent and high potential. Freshman point guard Kasparas Jakucionis, projected as an NBA lottery pick, has been sensational, averaging 22 points, seven rebounds, and 5.3 assists over his last four games. Arizona transfer Kylan Boswell has been a defensive ace, shutting down high-profile scorers and stepping up offensively against marquee opponents.

“We knew ‘Bam’ (Boswell) was a really, really good defender,” Illinois coach Brad Underwood said. “He’s just a terrific athlete with terrific strength.”

Key Matchups

• Zakai Zeigler vs. Illinois’ Defense: Zeigler’s playmaking ability will test Illinois’ guards, who must decide whether Kylan Boswell or Kasparas Jakucionis will take on the challenge of guarding him.
• Chaz Lanier vs. Kylan Boswell: Lanier’s scoring prowess could tilt the game in Tennessee’s favor, but Boswell’s defensive acumen might be key to neutralizing him.
• Illinois’ Young Core vs. Tennessee’s Depth: With Jakucionis leading the way, Illinois’ ability to rise to the occasion against Tennessee’s experienced rotation will be critical.

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What to Watch

• Illinois’ Home-Court Magic: The Illini have a track record of pulling off upsets at home against No. 1 teams. Will the atmosphere in Champaign propel them to another historic win?
• Tennessee’s Resilience: The Volunteers have been untested in close games this season. If Illinois keeps it tight, how will Tennessee respond under pressure?
• Jakucionis’ Star Power: The freshman phenom’s ability to handle the stage against the nation’s top team could determine Illinois’ chances.

Outlook

Tennessee comes into the game as the clear favorite, with a balanced lineup and a string of dominant performances. However, Illinois’ history of knocking off top-ranked teams and the dynamic play of their young stars make this a potential upset in the making. If the Illini can control the tempo and execute defensively, they have a chance to add another unforgettable moment to their storied rivalry with No. 1 opponents.