Illinois State vs Missouri State Prediction 3/6/25 College Basketball Picks Today
Missouri State (9-22) vs. Illinois State (18-13)
March 6, 2025 3:30 pm EDT
The Line: Illinois State -5; Over/Under: 132
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In this article we will formulate an Illinois State vs Missouri State prediction for this College Basketball game on Thursday, March 6th at the Enterprise Center in St. Louis, Missouri. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this College Basketball matchup.
Illinois State Redbirds Betting Preview
The Illinois State Redbirds are 18-13 (10-10) this season after they defeated Evansville by a score of 62-53 in their last game. Illinois State led 34-23 at halftime, but they only scored 28 points in the second half in the win. The Redbirds shot 35% from the field, 20.7% on three pointers, and 87.5% on free throws in the game. Dalton Banks led Illinois State with 13 points and six rebounds, while Malachi Poindexter added 11 points and two rebounds in the game.
Prior to that win, the Redbirds lost to Southern Illinois by a score of 88-79, but did beat Missouri State by a score of 70-68 before that. Illinois State has won three of their last four games and they finished tied for fifth in the MVC standings with a 10-10 record. Illinois State has scored 76.1 points per game and they have allowed 72.4 points against per game, while also averaging 32.1 rebounds and 14.4 assists per game this season. Chase Walker is averaging 15.1 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game, while Johnny Kinziger is averaging 15.0 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game this year. Illinois State is shooting 48.2% from the field, 75.2% on free throws, and 38% on three pointers this season.
Missouri State Bears Betting Preview
The Missouri State Bears are 9-22 (2-18) this year after they lost to Drake in overtime by a score of 68-60 in their last game. Missouri State trailed 29-28 at halftime, but they were able to hold Drake to just 30 points in the second half, before scoring just one point in overtime for the loss. The Bears shot 40.8% from the field, 52.6% on three pointers, and 71.4% on free throws in the game. Vincent Brady II led Missouri State with 17 points and four rebounds, while Dez White added 17 points and two assists in the game.
Prior to that loss, the Bears lost to Belmont by a score of 74-65 and Illinois State by a score of 70-68. Missouri State has lost five games in a row and they finished last in the MVC standings with a 2-18 record. Missouri State has scored 68.4 points per game and they have allowed 70.9 points against per game, while also averaging 32.6 rebounds and 12.3 assists per game this season. Dez White is averaging 14.3 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game, while Vincent Brady II is averaging 13.7 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game this year. Missouri State is shooting 45.1% from the field, 65.4% on free throws, and 36% on three pointers this season.
Why Illinois State will beat Missouri State
- Missouri State has lost 19 of its last 21 games against the Missouri Valley Conference.
- Illinois State has won each of its last five games against Missouri State.
- Missouri State has lost the first half in four of its last five games against the Missouri Valley Conference.
Total Points Facts
- Nine of Illinois State’s last 10 games against Conference opponents have produced a total of 133+ points.
- Three of Missouri State’s last four day games against non-AP-ranked opponents at Enterprise Center have produced a total of 134+ points.
Matchup/League Facts
- Illinois State ranks 364th among Division 1 teams for blocks per game this season (1.5).
- Illinois State ranks 9th among Division 1 teams for true shooting percentage this season (60.6%).
- Missouri State ranks 17th among Division 1 teams for opponent field goal attempts per game this season (53.0).
- Missouri State ranks T23rd among Division 1 teams for opponent rebounds per game this season (31.0).
Illinois State vs Missouri State Prediction
Missouri State finished the regular season with the worst record in the MVC standings, as they only won two conference games, but they will try to extend their season with an upset win here. The Bears are only scoring 68.4 points per game this year and they have scored 68 points or fewer in five straight. Illinois State has won three of their last four games and they are shooting over 48% from the field this year. The Redbirds already have two wins over Missouri State this year, winning by scores of 70-68 and 74-68. Missouri State will have a little confidence coming into this game, as they were able to take Drake to overtime, but I don’t think they have the offense to keep pace here. Take Illinois State to cover.
