Cornell vs Illinois State Prediction 11/9/2025 Today’s College Basketball Picks

In this article we will formulate a Cornell vs Illinois State prediction for this College Basketball game on Sunday, November 9th at CEFCU Arena in Normal, Illinois. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this College Basketball matchup.

Cornell Big Red Betting Preview

The Cornell Big Red are 0-1 this season after they lost to Kent State by a score of 110-102 in their first game. Cornell trailed 58-55 at halftime and allowed 52 more points in the second half for the loss. The Big Red shot 52.4% from the field, 47.5% on three pointers, and 77.3% on free throws in the game. Cornell recorded 31 rebounds to tie the rebounding battle, had 20 assists, and committed 17 turnovers in the loss. Cooper Noard led Cornell with 34 points and five rebounds, while Adam Hinton added 29 points and one rebound in the game. 

Cornell played very well on the offensive end of the court in their first game, but their defense was terrible. The Big Red allowed Kent State to shoot 53.8% from the field, allowed 18 made three pointers, and committed 22 fouls in the game. Cornell never led in the game, they had 26 points in the paint, and scored 12 fast break points for the loss. 

Illinois State Redbirds Betting Preview

The Illinois State Redbirds are 0-1 this year after they lost to Ohio by a score of 72-68 in their last game. Illinois State was tied at 31 at halftime, but allowed 41 points in the second half for the loss. The Redbirds shot 43.5% from the field, 30.8% on three pointers, and 54.5% on free throws in the game. Illinois State out rebounded Ohio by a total of 36-35, recorded 11 assists, and committed 11 turnovers in the loss. Boden Skunberg led the Redbirds with 15 points and seven rebounds, while Johnny Kinziger added 15 points and four rebounds in the game.

Illinois State played pretty well against Ohio to open the season, but their defense in the second half could have been better and ended up costing them the game. The Redbirds allowed Ohio to shoot 50.9% from the field, allowed 27 free throw attempts, and allowed 50 points in the paint. Illinois State’s largest lead was eight points, they had 30 points in the paint, and scored 10 fast break points in the loss. 

Why the Illinois State Redbirds will win

• Illinois State has won seven of its last eight games against non-Conference opponents.

Why the Cornell Big Red will win

• Cornell has won four of its last five away games when playing with a rest disadvantage.

Total Points Facts

• Each of Illinois State’s last 20 day games against non-AP-ranked opponents at CEFCU Arena have produced a total of 165 or fewer points.
• Four of Cornell’s last five games have produced a total of 172+ points.

Cornell vs Illinois State Prediction 

Both of these teams come into this matchup with an 0-1 record to start the season, so one side will get their first win here. Illinois State played in a lower scoring battle against Ohio to start their season, but will have to deal with a high scoring Cornell team here. The Redbirds did allow Ohio to shoot over 50% from the field, which could be a problem in this one. I really like how Cornell plays offensively and even though they don’t play much defense, I think the offense is enough to keep them in this game. Take the Big Red and the points here.

David Racey's Pick: Cornell +8.5