Illinois State vs Drake Prediction 2/12/25 College Basketball Picks Today

In this article, we will formulate an Illinois State vs Drake prediction for this College Basketball game on Wednesday, February 12th at CEFCU Arena in Normal, Illinois. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this College Basketball matchup.

Illinois State Redbirds Betting Preview

The Illinois State Redbirds are 15-10 (7-7) this year after they lost to Northern Iowa by a score of 68-65 in their last game. Illinois State led 36-32 at halftime, but they only scored 29 points in the second half in the loss. The Redbirds shot 43.1% from the field, 40.7% on three-pointers, and 80% on free throws in the game. Johnny Kinziger led Illinois State with 16 points and nine rebounds, while Caden Boser added 10 points and two assists in the game. 

Prior to that loss, the Redbirds defeated UIC by a score of 81-79 and Valparaiso by a score of 86-78. Illinois State has won five of their last seven games and they are currently tied for fifth in the MVC standings with a 7-7 record. Illinois State has scored 76.5 points per game and they have allowed 71.8 points per game, while also averaging 32.8 rebounds and 14.6 assists per game this season. Chase Walker is averaging 15.4 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game, while Johnny Kinziger is averaging 14.7 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game this year. Illinois State is shooting 48.4% from the field, 75.3% on free throws, and 39.4% on three-pointers this season. 

Drake Bulldogs Betting Preview

The Drake Bulldogs are 22-2 (12-2) this season after they defeated Indiana State in overtime by a score of 85-81 in their last game. Drake led 41-29 at halftime, but they allowed 43 points in the second half, before getting the win in overtime. The Bulldogs shot 50.9% from the field, 40% on three-pointers, and 70% on free throws in the game. Bennett Stirtz led Drake with 20 points and seven assists, while Daniel Abreu added 18 points and eight rebounds in the win. 

Prior to that victory, the Bulldogs defeated Murray State by a score of 55-45 and SIU by a score of 75-65. Drake has won 10 games in a row and they are currently first in the MVC standings with a 12-2 record. Drake has scored 71.2 points per game and they have allowed 58.5 points per game, while also averaging 30.8 rebounds and 13.7 assists per game this season. Bennett Stirtz is averaging 18.6 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 6.2 assists per game, while Daniel Abreu is averaging 11.2 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 1.0 assists per game this year. Drake is shooting 49.2% from the field, 70.3% on free throws, and 36.6% on three-pointers this season. 

Why Illinois State will beat Drake

• The home team has won seven of Illinois State’s last eight games.
• Drake has lost seven of its last nine games at CEFCU Arena.
• Illinois State has won the first half in each of its last four games against the Missouri Valley Conference.

Illinois State vs Drake Prediction 

Drake comes into this contest with a 22-2 record on the season and they are leading the MVC standings by 1.5 games over Northern Iowa. The Bulldogs do have two conference losses on the season, but they have won 10 games in a row. Drake is shooting 49.2% from the field this year and their defense is allowing just 58.5 points per game. Illinois State is 7-7 in conference play, but they are 4-0 in their last four home games. The Redbirds are shooting over 48% from the field this season and they have scored 81+ points in three of their last four games. These two teams played a close game earlier in the season and I think Illinois State has a great chance to pull off an upset at home. Take the Redbirds here.