Illinois was 12-0 before this game when leading at half and they were up 4 at half. They lost by 3 despite getting outshot by 19 at the free throw line and you say its a horrible bet?
LOL... you are obviously a moron if you think any bet that loses was 'a horrible bet.'
This was a good bet that was very likely to win. Iowa shot very well from 3 and shot 19 free throws to Illinois' 0 and Iowa won by 3. Basically every thing had to go wrong for Illinois to lose by 3.