| MATCHUP | Bradley Braves | Illinois State Redbirds |
|---|---|---|
| Team Records | 13-6 | 12-6 |
| Spread | +6.5 -115 | -6.5 -105 |
| Moneyline | +205 | -250 |
| Total | Over 148.5 (-108) | Under 148.5 (-112) |
| Where | CEFCU Arena, Normal, IL | |
| When | Saturday, January 17, 2026 | |
| Time | 02:00 PM EST | |
| TV | ESPN2 | |
Bradley Braves Betting Preview
The Bradley Braves beat Northern Iowa and Evansville, and they play Indiana State next. Bradley has won 3 straight games.
The Bradley Braves are averaging 79.1 points on 44.1 percent shooting and allowing 72.2 points on 43.9 percent shooting. Jaquan Johnson is averaging 17.9 points and 4.4 rebounds, while Alex Huibregtse is averaging 11.3 points and 3.6 rebounds. Demarion Burch is the third double-digit scorer and Montana Wheeler is grabbing 1.5 rebounds. The Bradley Braves are shooting 34.6 percent from beyond the arc and 72.5 percent from the free throw line. The Bradley Braves are allowing 36 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 31.9 rebounds per game.
Illinois State Redbirds Betting Preview
The Illinois State Redbirds lost to UIC and Indiana State, and they play Northern Iowa next. Illinois State has lost 3 straight games.
The Illinois State Redbirds are averaging 78.8 points on 48.1 percent shooting and allowing 67.3 points on 42 percent shooting. Chase Walker is averaging 13.8 points and 5.6 rebounds, while Johnny Kinziger is averaging 12.1 points and 2.8 rebounds. Ty’Reek Coleman is the third double-digit scorer and Ty Pence is grabbing 4.6 rebounds. The Illinois State Redbirds are shooting 35.6 percent from beyond the arc and 67.6 percent from the free throw line. The Illinois State Redbirds are allowing 31.4 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 34.2 rebounds per game.
Why the Illinois State Redbirds will win
- Illinois State has won nine of its last 10 games at CEFCU Arena against non-AP-ranked opponents.
- Bradley has lost the first half in each of its last four road games against non-AP-ranked opponents.
Why the Bradley Braves will win
- Bradley has won each of its last seven games following an overtime win.
- Illinois State has lost each of its last three games against non-AP-ranked opponents.
- Illinois State has lost the first half in each of its last three games against non-AP-ranked opponents.
Total Points Facts
- Nine of the last 10 games between Bradley and Illinois State at CEFCU Arena have produced a total of 145 or fewer points.
- Each of Bradley’s last four road games against non-AP-ranked opponents have produced a total of 152+ points.
Matchup/League Facts
- Illinois State ranks 46th among Division 1 teams for opponent points per game this season (67.3).
- Bradley ranks 19th among Division 1 teams for turnovers per game this season (9.6).
- Bradley ranks T25th among Division 1 teams for opponent turnovers per game this season (15.3).
Bradley vs Illinois State Prediction
Illinois State should be favored at home where it’s 7-1 SU on the season and has an offense that can light it up. However, I’m not laying points with an Illinois State squad that’s coming off bad losses to Valpo, UIC, and Indiana State. Bradley continues to win games it’s supposed to win, scores at an above average clip as well and has won 6 of the last 7 games against Illinois State. Bradley also has a couple of road wins this season. This line feels disrespectful given Illinois State’s current form. Give me the points.