We’ve got a solid matchup on Tuesday night for the Jimmy V Classic at Madison Square Garden. #17 Illinois (6-2) will look for an early season statement win over #2 Texas (6-0) while the Longhorns will try to prove they are a legitimate National Championship contender. The offshore sportsbooks have Texas as a slight favorite in this neutral site game. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
You have to give both of these teams credit, they haven’t shied away from competition early in this 2022\/23 season. Both of Illinois’ losses have come against ranked teams, 70-61 in Las Vegas to Virginia (who has climbed to #3 in the rankings) and most recently on the road Friday night falling 71-66 to current #13 Maryland. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Texas has played good teams in beating then #2 Gonzaga 93-74 and most recently with a 72-67 win over then #7 Creighton last Thursday. Both of those wins were at home at the Moody Center though, and Texas has played only one game away from their home court this season a 73-48 win over Northern Arizona in a Leon Black Classic game – which was also in Texas (Edinburgh). The Longhorns have an adjusted strength of schedule rating<\/a> in the 300s, so Tuesday is a definite prove it game. <\/p>\n\n\n\n