| MATCHUP | Coastal Carolina Chanticleers | Illinois State Redbirds |
|---|---|---|
| Team Records | 4-2 | 3-2 |
| Where | CEFCU Arena, Normal, IL | |
| When | Sunday, November 23, 2025 | |
| Time | 05:00 PM EST | |
| TV | ESPN+ | |
Illinois State Redbirds Betting Preview
The Illinois State Redbirds enter Sunday afternoon’s contest with a 3–2 win-loss record. Illinois State has posted convincing wins over Cornell, Long Beach State, and Rockford, but dropped matchups to the Ohio Bobcats and USC Trojans. In the Illinois State Redbirds defeat of the Rockford Regents two days ago, Illinois State forward Brandon Lieb amassed 10 points, 10 rebounds, and 1 assist in only 16 minutes of play.The Redbirds are averaging 73.3 points per game on 42.4 percent shooting from the field and 29 percent shooting from behind the arc. Defensively, Illinois State has allowed opponents 76 points per game on 46 percent shooting from the field and 28.4 percent from three-point range. Freshman guard Ty’Reek Coleman has been the team’s most consistent performer, averaging 16.5 points, 1.8 rebounds and 2 assists per game. Junior guard Johnny Kinziger has been tasked with a larger role this season, contributing 13.2 points per game and shooting 36.4 percent from three-point range. Forward Chase Walker has certainly played well in the paint for the Redbirds, averaging 11.3 points, 6.0 rebounds, 1.2 assists, and 0.5 blocks per contest.
The Redbirds rely heavily on Coleman’s scoring and Walker’s rebounding, but the team’s perimeter shooting (just 29 percent from three) has been inconsistent.
Coastal Carolina Chanticleers Betting Preview
The Coastal Carolina Chanticleers have compiled a 3-2 record in five games played this season. Coastal Carolina has posted convincing wins over Virginia-Lynchburg, Winthrop, and Western Illinois. Coastal Carolina’s two losses were to Western Michigan and Jacksonville State. The team’s most recent outing was an 84–64 victory over Western Illinois. In Coastal Carolina’s win over Western Illinois, guard Rasheed Jones tallied 20 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 steals in 30 minutes of play for the Chanticleers.The Chanticleers are averaging 73.5 points per game on 40.8 percent shooting from the field. Defensively, Coastal Carolina has allowed opponents 70 points per game on 40.8 percent opponent shooting and 29.3 percent from three-point range. Senior guard Josh Beadle has been the team’s most consistent performer, averaging 18.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, 3 assists and 1.6 steals per game. Junior guard RaSheed Jones has averaged 16.6 points and 4.8 rebounds per game while shooting 46.7 percent from the field. Guard AJ Dancler has averaged 11 points, 6.4 rebounds, 3 assists and 1.4 steals per game.
Defensively, Coastal Carolina has been strong, holding opponents under 71 points in three of their five games played in 2025. The Chanticleers backcourt trio of Beadle, Jones, and Dancler gives them one of the most potent guard rotations in the Sun Belt.
Why the Illinois State Redbirds will win
• Ty’Reek Coleman’s ability to score the basketball. Coleman is averaging 16.5 points per game and has shown efficiency from the field.• Chase Walker’s interior presence. Walker provides rebounding and scoring inside, giving Illinois State a chance to control the paint.
Why the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers will win
• Senior guard Josh Beadle is averaging 18.8 points per game. Beadle has been the team’s most reliable scorer.• Beadle, Jones, and Dancler have combined for over 46 points per game, giving Coastal Carolina a dynamic offensive punch.
• The Chanticleers are allowing opponents just 70 points per game, ranking among the best in the Sun Belt.
Illinois State vs. Coastal Carolina Prediction
Illinois State has the home‑court advantage and a strong interior presence with Walker, but their defensive struggles and inconsistent perimeter shooting are concerning. Coastal Carolina, meanwhile, has a more reliable backcourt trio and a defense that has consistently held opponents in check this season.In my view, given the data just presented and overall matchup dynamics, Coastal Carolina is the stronger play in this game. Coastal Carolina’s guard depth and defensive efficiency should outweigh Illinois State’s home‑court edge. I am backing Coastal Carolina to cover the 2.5 points in this game.