| MATCHUP | Drake Bulldogs | Illinois State Redbirds |
|---|---|---|
| Team Records | 12-12 | 15-8 |
| Where | CEFCU Arena, Normal, IL | |
| When | Friday, February 6, 2026 | |
| Time | 08:00 PM EST | |
| TV | ESPN+ | |
Drake Bulldogs Betting Preview
The Drake Bulldogs lost to Bradley and Belmont, and they play Valparaiso next. Drake has split its last 10 games.
The Drake Bulldogs are averaging 77.8 points on 45.1 percent shooting and allowing 74.3 points on 43.5 percent shooting. Jalen Quinn is averaging 19.5 points and 4.1 rebounds, while Jaehshon Thomas is averaging 10.7 points and 1.8 assists. Okku Federiko is the third double-digit scorer, and Wilguens Jr. Exacte is grabbing 5.3 rebounds. The Drake Bulldogs are shooting 35.5 percent from beyond the arc and 72.2 percent from the free throw line. The Drake Bulldogs are allowing 35.8 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 32 rebounds per game.
Illinois State Redbirds Betting Preview
The Illinois State Redbirds lost to Southern Illinois, beat Murray State, and play Evansville next. Illinois State has split its last 10 games.
The Illinois State Redbirds are averaging 76.3 points on 46.9 percent shooting and allowing 66.4 points on 41.8 percent shooting. Chase Walker is averaging 14 points and 5.7 rebounds, while Johnny Kinziger is averaging 11.4 points and 2.8 rebounds. Boden Skunberg is the third double-digit scorer, and Ty’Reek Coleman is grabbing 2.4 rebounds. The Illinois State Redbirds are shooting 34.9 percent from beyond the arc and 69 percent from the free throw line. The Illinois State Redbirds are allowing 30.7 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 34.6 rebounds per game.
Why the Illinois State Redbirds will win
- Illinois State has won 11 of its last 13 games at CEFCU Arena against non-AP-ranked opponents.
- Drake has lost three of its last four road night games against the Missouri Valley Conference.
- Drake has lost the first half in seven of its last eight night games against non-AP-ranked opponents.
Why the Drake Bulldogs will win
- Drake has won 10 of its last 11 games against Illinois State.
Total Points Facts
- Each of Drake’s last five night games against non-AP-ranked opponents have produced a total of 149+ points.
- Four of Illinois State’s last five home games against non-AP-ranked opponents have produced a total of 122 or fewer points.
Drake vs Illinois State Prediction
Illinois State is the better team with the better defense, so a comfortable home win wouldn’t be shocking. The problem is we’re not going to act like we didn’t just see Illinois State lose to Southern Illinois as a big favorite. Illinois State also lost to Indiana State, UIC, and Valparaiso as big favorites. This has been a disappointing month of ball for Illinois State. Drake has issues of its own, but it does have 4 road wins and has won 9 of the last 10 games against Illinois State. Drake can also be dangerous if the three-ball continues to fall at season averages. Give me the points.