David Hess has hit five of his last six here at SportsMemo, and he’s coming right back tonight with a side play he absolutely trusts. The matchup, the number, and the way these teams line up all pushed this one to the top of his board. A sharp, high‑value release—and it’s just $7.
Member Notes
Today’s Free Picks
| Sport | Game Selection | Game Time |
|---|---|---|
| CBB | (879) Michigan at (880) Illinois: Total | 8:00pm EST - Feb 27/2026 |
The PLAY: Total Under 158.5 (-112)
Michigan–Illinois has all the markings of a game that grinds its way under the number, because both defenses have been the steadier, more trustworthy units and the matchup itself leans toward a tight, possession‑heavy finish. Michigan is holding Big Ten opponents to 70.6 ppg on 40.1% shooting, the best defensive field‑goal percentage in the league, and Illinois isn’t far behind at 70.9 ppg allowed, forcing teams into long, half‑court possessions and limiting clean looks from deep. Illinois’ offense leans heavily on the three, but Michigan has smothered perimeter shooters in conference play (30.6% allowed), which tends to flatten scoring runs and keep games from opening up. And because this projects as a close game deep into the second half, you’re looking at a lot of deliberate walk‑it‑up possessions, coaches controlling tempo, and fewer early‑clock shots—exactly the recipe that keeps a total like 158 from ever threatening to get away.