Murray State vs Illinois State 12/1/22 College Basketball Picks, Predictions, Odds

The Illinois State Redbirds and the Murray State Racers meet Thursday in college basketball action from CFSB Center. Illinois State is 2-5 on the year and fresh off a loss to Rhode Island. As for Murray State, they’re currently 3-3 overall. The Racers lost to Chattanooga in their last game. Check back all season long for free college basketball picks at Sports Chat Place.

Illinois State went 2-1 in their first three games this year, losing to Western Illinois and beating Eastern Illinois and Northwestern State. The Redbirds hit a losing streak to Northwestern State, LSU and Western Kentucky in the next three games. 

Last Wednesday versus Rhode Island, Illinois State scored just 22 points in each half and limped to a 57-44 loss. The only team player in double-figures was Kendall Lewis with 14 points and seven rebounds in 30 minutes of work. 

Over on the Murray State side, they went 2-2 over their first four games with wins over Texas A&M and Lindsey Wilson alongside losses to Saint Louis and UMass. The Racers would then beat Tulsa and lose to Chattanooga. 

In Saturday’s Chattanooga game, the Racers had a 34-30 edge going into the second half. Murray State couldn’t hang on however, and lost 69-66. Rob Perry led the team on 22 points and six boards. Jamari Smith added 17 points and nine rebounds. 

PICK: I’m going to stay with Murray State. Probably staying away from this one, though; there’s not a ton to like. In any case, the Racers have been a mixed bag so far this year but they’re still scoring pretty well. Murray State has hit 66 or more points in every game this year and 77 or more in each of their three victories. By comparison Illinois State hasn’t cracked 70 yet; their highest total was 69 in a win over Northwestern State. The Racers should have the advantage here if they can keep the offense going.