Belmont vs Illinois State Prediction 3/1/2026 Today’s College Basketball Picks

In this article we will formulate a Belmont vs Illinois State prediction for this College Basketball game on Sunday, March 1st at CEFCU Arena in Normal, Illinois. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this College Basketball matchup.

Belmont Bruins Betting Preview

The Belmont Bruins are 26-4 (16-3) this season after they defeated Evansville by a score of 98-64 in their last game. Belmont led 44-29 at halftime and they scored 54 points in the second half in the lopsided win. The Bruins shot 57% from the field, 57% on three pointers, and 78% on free throws in the game. Tyler Lundblade led Belmont with 15 points and four assists, while Sam Orme added 14 points and three rebounds in the win. 

Prior to that game, Belmont defeated Indiana State by a score of 87-70 and Murray State by a score of 87-70. The Bruins have scored 84.4 points per game with 36.5 rebounds and 18.5 assists per game, while they have allowed 72.2 points against per game this season. Tyler Lundblade is averaging 15.7 points and 2.7 rebounds per game, while Sam Orme is averaging 12.6 points and 5.1 rebounds per game for the Bruins. Belmont is shooting 51.8% from the field, 68.8% on free throws, and 40.4% on three pointers this season. 

Illinois State Redbirds Betting Preview

The Illinois State Redbirds are 19-11 (11-8) this year after they defeated Northern Iowa by a score of 71-69 in their last game. Illinois State led 28-23 at halftime, but they did allow 46 points in the second half in the win. The Redbirds shot 49% from the field, 37% on three pointers, and 82% on free throws in the game. Johnny Kinziger led Illinois State with 14 points and two rebounds, while Boden Skunberg added 14 points and eight rebounds in the win. 

Prior to that game, Illinois State lost to Bradley by a score of 74-60, but did beat Murray State by a score of 78-61 before that. The Redbirds have scored 75.7 points per game with 36.2 rebounds and 13.6 assists per game, while they have allowed 68.1 points against per game this season. Chase Walker is averaging 13.7 points and 5.3 rebounds per game, while Johnny Kinziger is averaging 11.3 points and 3.1 assists per game for the Redbirds. Illinois State is shooting 47.0% from the field, 69.8% on free throws, and 35.4% on three pointers this year. 

Why the Illinois State Redbirds will win

• Illinois State has won nine of its last 10 day games at CEFCU Arena against non-AP-ranked opponents.
• Belmont has lost the first half in four of its last five day games against non-AP-ranked opponents.

Why the Belmont Bruins will win

• Belmont has won 13 of its last 14 games against non-AP-ranked opponents.
• Illinois State has lost three of its last four day games against non-AP-ranked opponents.
• Illinois State has lost the first half in three of its last four day games against non-AP-ranked opponents.

Total Points Facts

• Each of Illinois State’s last nine day games against the Missouri Valley Conference have produced a total of 150 or fewer points.
• Eight of Belmont’s last nine games against non-AP-ranked opponents have produced a total of 155+ points.

Belmont vs Illinois State Prediction 

Belmont rolls into this matchup with the MVC regular season title all locked up and they have won four games in a row. The Bruins are shooting 52% from the field and they have scored at least 87 points in four straight. Illinois State has alternated wins and losses over their last five games and they are battling for seeding. The Redbirds are shooting 47% from the field and they have scored 60 points or fewer in two of their last four games. I think this is a tough spot for Belmont with nothing to play for, so I will back Illinois State at home.

David Racey's Pick: Illinois State ML