Illinois State vs Drake Prediction 1/15/25 College Basketball Picks

In this article, we will formulate an Illinois State vs Drake prediction for this College Basketball game on Wednesday, January 15th at the Knapp Center in Des Moines, Iowa. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this College Basketball matchup.

Illinois State Redbirds Betting Preview

The Illinois State Redbirds are 10-7 (2-4) this year after they lost to Northern Iowa by a score of 85-84 in their last game. Illinois State led 43-36 at halftime, but they allowed 49 points in the second half in the narrow loss. The Redbirds shot 46.3% from the field, 50% on three-pointers, and 81.5% on free throws in the game. Chase Walker led Illinois State with 27 points and nine rebounds, while Johnny Kinziger added 19 points and four assists in the loss. 

Prior to that game, the Redbirds lost to Evansville by a score of 69-51 but did beat Southern Illinois by a score of 85-54 before that. Illinois State has lost three of their last five games, but they did win the four games prior to that. Illinois State has scored 77.8 points per game and they have allowed 71.5 points per game, while also averaging 33.9 rebounds and 14.6 assists per game this season. Chase Walker is averaging 14.4 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game, while Johnny Kinziger is averaging 14.1 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game this year. Illinois State is shooting 48.8% from the field, 77.6% on free throws, and 40.4% on three-pointers this season. 

Drake Bulldogs Betting Preview

The Drake Bulldogs are 14-2 (4-2) this season after they defeated Evansville by a score of 63-40 in their last game. Drake led 25-20 at halftime and outscored Evansville 38-20 in the second half for the blowout win. The Bulldogs shot 40% from the field, 27.3% on three-pointers, and 59.1% on free throws in the game. Bennett Stirtz led Drake with 16 points and seven rebounds, while Daniel Abreu added 12 points and four rebounds in the game. 

Prior to that win, the Bulldogs defeated Bradley by a score of 64-57 but did lose to Murray State by a score of 66-59 before that. Drake has split their last four games, but they did win their first 12 games of the season. Drake has scored 71.3 points per game and they have allowed 57.0 points per game, while also averaging 32.2 rebounds and 14.0 assists per game this season. Bennett Stirtz is averaging 17.3 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 6.2 assists per game, while Daniel Abreu is averaging 11.3 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 0.8 assists per game this year. Drake is shooting 48.2% from the field, 69.3% on free throws, and 33.1% on three-pointers this season. 

Why Drake will beat Illinois State

• Drake has won each of its last 17 night games at Knapp Center against non-AP-ranked opponents.
• Illinois State has lost each of its last 17 Wednesday night road games against the Missouri Valley Conference.
• Illinois State has lost the first half in seven of its last eight games at Knapp Center.

Illinois State vs Drake Prediction 

Drake comes into this contest with a 14-2 record on the season, but they are just 4-2 in conference play so far this year. The Bulldogs are shooting 48.2% from the field, but their defense has led the way by allowing 57 points per game. Drake has allowed 57 and 40 points in their last two games, but the offense has scored 64 points or fewer in three straight. Illinois State is shooting nearly 49% from the field and they are scoring 77.8 points per game this year, but their defense is allowing 71.5 points per game. The Redbirds allowed 85 points in their last game to Northern Iowa and I think this is a great chance for Drake to have a bounce-back offensive effort. Take the over here. 

David Racey's Pick: Over 124.5