The Indiana State Sycamores (8-6, 1-2 MVC) welcome the Illinois State Redbirds (6-9, 1-2 MVC) to Hulman Center. The Sycamores look to extend their six-game home winning streak, while the Redbirds try to end their six-game road losing streak. The game gets underway at 2 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 11, 2020.
Illinois State Redbirds vs. Indiana State Sycamores Betting Odds
Both teams lost in their last matchup. The Sycamores fell to the UNI Panthers, 68-60, while the Redbirds were defeated by the Missouri State Bears, 67-63.
Illinois State held Missouri State to an effective field goal percentage of 0.411 (below their season average of 0.502) while Indiana State had a better effective field goal percentage (0.552 vs. 0.539). Tyreke Key played a key role for Indiana State with 14 points. Ricky Torres had a good game for Illinois State, finishing with 12 points, seven assists and five rebounds.
This series was highly competitive last year. Each won one of the two games played against each other last season. The Sycamores won the most recent matchup 73-50. The Sycamores’ turnover percentage was their largest strength over the Redbirds. Indiana State had a rate of 14.3, while Illinois State posted a mark of 30.2. This will be the first game of the year between these two teams.
Half-court execution will be critical when two of the nation’s slowest-paced teams go head-to-head. Indiana State currently ranks 289th in possessions per game (67.5) and Illinois State is 260th (68.4).
Illinois State Redbirds vs. Indiana State Sycamores Betting Pick
College Basketball Prediction: SU Winner – Indiana State, ATS Winner – Indiana State, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Indiana State ranks 21st in steals allowed per game (5.1) while Illinois State ranks 109th (6.6).
- The Redbirds rank 228th in rebounds per game (33.4) while the Sycamores rank 252nd (32.0).
- The Redbirds rank 28th in blocks allowed per game (2.5) while the Sycamores rank 75th (3.1).
- Illinois State ranks 192nd in three pointers attempted per game (20.0) while Indiana State ranks 229th (18.5).
Bettings Trends:
- The Sycamores’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 5.4, up from 1.6 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Redbirds have scored an average of 66.2 points per game (2.6 above their season average) and allowed an average of 71.8 points per game (6.0 above their season average).
