Illinois State Redbirds vs Murray State Racers Matchup

Read on to get betting odds and analysis in our Illinois State vs Murray State NCAA Basketball prediction and preview and see who we think will win and cover the spread in Murray.

Illinois State vs Murray State Prediction

Making on a bet on this NCAA game featuring the Redbirds versus the Racers? Tip off is at at 8:00 ET, and you can watch it all unfold on ESPN+. The game will be played at CFSB Center in Murray, KY. The over/under line for this matchup is currently at 138.5 points, and Murray State is favored by -5.5 to win at home against Illinois State.

Illinois State vs. Murray State Matchup At A Glance

Sport: NCAAB
Teams: Illinois State Redbirds at Murray State Racers
Where: Murray at CFSB Center
Date: Thursday, January 2nd
Betting Odds MURST -5.5, ILLST +195 | MURST -245 O/U 138.5

Redbirds Preview: Can Illinois State Stun the Crowd at CFSB Center?

Illinois State fell to 7-5 on the season after a 73-67 home loss to UIC on Sunday, December 29th. The Redbirds, who were favored by 4.5 points, not only lost the game but also failed to cover the spread. The total points for the game came in at 140, just under the 142.5-point over/under line.

Illinois State led 35-33 at halftime but allowed 40 points in the second half while scoring 32. This second-half performance was a key factor in their loss.

Redbirds Offense Breakdown

Illinois State struggled from beyond the arc in their last game, hitting just 6 of 26 threes for a 23.1% shooting percentage. Their overall field goal percentage was 39.7%, with an effective field goal percentage of 44.8%. Inside the arc, they were more efficient, connecting on 53.1% of their two-point attempts.

Malachi Poindexter led the Redbirds with 20 points, while Sasa Ciani contributed 16 points and 9 rebounds, shooting 60% from the field. Javon Jackson added 14 points, and Ahmad Henderson II chipped in 12 points and 4 assists. Illinois State finished with 14 assists and 9 offensive rebounds, shooting 71.4% from the free-throw line.

Redbirds Team Defense

Illinois State's defense gave up 73 points in their last game, with the opposing team shooting 39% from the field on 23 of 58 attempts. They allowed 17 two-point field goals on 32 attempts, a 53% shooting rate.

From beyond the arc, Illinois State held their opponents to 6 of 26 shooting, just 23%. They also sent them to the free-throw line 21 times, where they converted 15 free throws, a 71% rate. Illinois State gave up 9 offensive rebounds.

Racers Preview: Can the Racers Hold Strong at Home?

Murray State evened their record at 6-6 with a 71-68 win over Loyola Chicago on Wednesday. The Racers, who were +2.5 point underdogs, not only pulled off the upset but also covered the spread. The game’s total points of 139 narrowly exceeded the O/U line of 137.5.

After trailing 36-34 at halftime, Murray State turned things around by outscoring the Ramblers 37-32 in the second half.

Racers Offense Breakdown

Murray State's offense put up 71 points in their last game, shooting 48.8% from the field with an effective field goal percentage of 55.8%. They connected on 41.2% of their three-point attempts, going 7-for-17 from deep, and hit 53.8% of their two-point shots. At the free-throw line, the Racers made 22 of 33 attempts, good for 66.7%.

Three players shared the scoring lead with 16 points: Terence Harcum, KyeRon Lindsay, and Miles Rubin. Rubin was perfect from the field, hitting all 7 of his shots. JaCobi Wood contributed 11 points and dished out 6 assists, while Des Watson and AJ Ferguson also added 11 points each.

Racers Team Defense

Despite giving up 68 points, the Racers struggled defensively, allowing their opponent to shoot 48% from the field. Inside the arc, they gave up 53% shooting, with 14 of 26 two-point attempts finding the basket.

From three-point range, Murray State allowed 7 threes on 17 attempts, a 41% shooting clip. They also sent their opponent to the line 33 times, where they converted 22 free throws at a 66% rate. The Racers limited second-chance opportunities, giving up 6 offensive rebounds.

Redbirds vs Racers Betting Odds, Trends & Analysis

Across their last five road contests, Illinois State has a 4-1 record vs the spread. Their overall mark in these games was 2-3, while averaging 78 points per game.
In their last three games at home, the Racers have a straight up record of 0-3 while going 1-2 vs the spread. The team's offense averaged 80 points per game in these contests.
Through their last three games as the underdog, the Redbirds have an ATS record of 3-0 and a straight up mark of 2-1.
Against the spread, the Racers have put together of 2-3 in their last five games as the betting favorite. In these same games, they went 3-2 straight up.