Presbyterian vs Illinois State Prediction 3/23/25 College Basketball Picks Today

In this article, we will formulate a Presbyterian vs Illinois State Prediction for this college basketball game on Sunday, March 23rd, at the Ocean Center in the CBI. Let’s take a look at a Presbyterian Blue Hose vs Illinois State Redbirds pick.

Winning Formula for Illinois State?

This Illinois State is a solid team, but the last game didn’t go according to plan. Illinois State faced off against Belmont and only scored 63 points while they gave up 76 points. Dalton Banks had a strong game, putting up 19 points, seven assists, and six rebounds. Two games ago against Missouri State, the defense was the better, giving up only 54 points, and they ended up winning by 16 points. In this game, the defense will need to step up in a major way to really put the pressure on. 

Illinois State has a 19-14 overall record. The Redbirds are averaging 75.5 points, while their defense is giving up 71.9 points per game. Johnny Kinziger is averaging 14.8 points while shooting 44.1 percent from the field. 

Presbyterian Needs Stronger Defense

Presbyterian’s defense wasn’t awful in the last game, but in overtime, they scored only four points, leading to the five-point defeat. Presbyterian actually made the big comeback to even force overtime, but they lost. Two games ago against Gardner-Webb, Presbyterian gave up only 57 points, and that was enough for the 11-point victory. Kaleb Scott had a strong game, putting up 21 points, seven rebounds, and two assists. Three different players ended up with at least 13 points. If the defense struggles here, they will be in trouble. 

Presbyterian has a 14-18 overall record. The Blue Hose are averaging 74.3 points per game, while their defense is giving up 70.7 points per game. The offense is shooting 46.8 percent from the field. Kobe Stewart has been the top player, averaging 15.3 points while shooting 47.7 percent from the field. 

Why Presbyterian Will Beat Illinois State

• Illinois State has lost eight of its last nine night games against non-AP-ranked opponents at a neutral venue.
• Presbyterian has won three of its last four games against non-AP-ranked opponents.

Matchup League Facts

• Presbyterian ranks T44th among Division 1 teams for opponent field goal attempts per game this season (54.9).
• Presbyterian ranks 48th among Division 1 teams for three-point percentage this season (36.9%).
• Illinois State ranks 15th among Division 1 teams for true shooting percentage this season (60.1%).
• Illinois State ranks 19th among Division 1 teams for opponent steals per game this season (5.3).

Presbyterian vs Illinois State Prediction

Give me Presbyterian here. Yes, they lost the last game, but don’t sleep on the comeback they made. Their offense has been strong, and they are averaging 74.3 points per game. Illinois State can also score, but their offense is averaging only 1.2 points per game more. Illinois State is also giving up 71.9 points per game and the defense is going to be a major problem again here. Presbyterian can win this game outright, and I don’t believe you will even need the points. This is going to be an outright win. Back Presbyterian on the money line.