Auburn vs Illinois State Prediction 4/2/26 College Basketball Picks Today
Illinois State (23-12) vs. Auburn (20-16)
April 2, 2026 9:30 pm EDT
The Line: Auburn -6.5; Over/Under: 149.5
(Get latest betting odds)
The Illinois State Redbirds and Auburn Tigers meet Thursday in the college basketball NIT Semifinal at the Hinkle Fieldhouse. Here’s an Auburn vs. Illinois State Prediction. This article will include an Auburn vs. Illinois State Pick.
Illinois State Redbirds Betting Preview
The Illinois State Redbirds beat Wake Forest and Dayton. Illinois State has won 5 of its last 6 games.
The Illinois State Redbirds are averaging 78.4 points on 47 percent shooting and allowing 70.6 points on 43.3 percent shooting. Chase Walker is averaging 13.7 points and 5.4 rebounds, while Johnny Kinziger is averaging 11.7 points and 2.5 rebounds. Ty’Reek Coleman is dishing 1.8 assists, and Boden Skunberg is grabbing 4.5 rebounds. The Illinois State Redbirds are shooting 35.7 percent from beyond the arc and 70.3 percent from the free throw line. The Illinois State Redbirds are allowing 32.6 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 34.5 rebounds per game.
Auburn Tigers Betting Preview
The Auburn Tigers beat Seattle and Nevada. Auburn has won 5 of its last 7 games.
The Auburn Tigers are averaging 82.9 points on 45.7 percent shooting and allowing 79.2 points on 46.4 percent shooting. Keyshawn Hall is averaging 19.4 points and 2.6 assists, while Tahaad Pettiford is averaging 15.3 points and 3 rebounds. Kevin Overton is the third double-digit scorer and KeShawn Murphy is grabbing 6.8 rebounds. The Auburn Tigers are shooting 33.7 percent from beyond the arc and 74.4 percent from the free throw line. The Auburn Tigers are allowing 37 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 33.9 rebounds per game.
Why the Auburn Tigers will win
- Auburn has won each of its last eight games against non-AP-ranked opponents at a neutral venue.
- Illinois State has lost each of its last four games against the Southeastern Conference.
- Illinois State has lost the first half in eight of its last nine night games played at neutral venues.
Why the Illinois State Redbirds will win
- Illinois State has won 10 of its last 11 night games against non-Conference opponents.
- Auburn has lost each of its last three night games played at neutral venues.
- Illinois State has won the first half in each of its last four National Invitation Tournament night games.
Total Points Facts
- Each of Illinois State’s last six night games has produced a total of 140 or fewer points.
- Thirteen of Auburn’s last 15 night games against non-AP-ranked opponents at a neutral venue have produced a total of 149 or fewer points.
Matchup/League Facts
- Auburn ranks 5th among Division 1 teams for free throws made per game this season (19.6).
- Auburn ranks 6th among Division 1 teams for free throw attempts per game this season (26.3).
- Illinois State ranks 14th among Division 1 teams for opponent free throw percentage this season (68.5%).
- Illinois State ranks 34th among Division 1 teams for opponent three-point field goals made per game this season (6.4).
Auburn vs Illinois State Prediction
Auburn is obviously the more talented team and battle-tested, coming from the SEC. It should be favored. However, Auburn hasn’t cashed a ticket since March 11; it’s 2-8 ATS in its last 10 games and 14-22 ATS on the season.
Illinois State shoots the ball at an above-average clip across the board and has cashed 7 of its last 10 games. Illinois State is a profitable 19-15 ATS on the season. Illinois State were big underdogs against Dayton and Wake Forest and won dogfights. Illinois State shouldn’t be scared of the moment and if those shots keep falling, this game will come down to the wire. Give me the points.
