Illinois State (17-13) vs Evansville (11-19)
March 2, 2025 at 03:00 PM EST
The Line: Betting Odds: Illinois State -9.5 — Over/Under: 142.5
In this article, we will formulate an Evansville vs Illinois State Prediction for this college basketball game on Sunday, March 2nd, at the CEFCU Arena. To formulate this prediction, we will examine:
-The Purple Aces’ recent form and recent player performance
-The Redbirds’ recent form and recent player performance
-Recent Betting trends and streaks involving Evansville
-Recent Betting trends and streaks involving Illinois State
-Recent betting trends in games played between Evansville and Illinois State
-A summary that ties it all together and produces a favorable betting outcome for Today’s Game between the Purple Aces and Redbirds.
Evansville has won the last two games played against Illinois State. On January 8th, the Purple Aces secured the 69-51 victory.
Evansville is Ice Cold
Evansville is ice-cold heading into this game, and they have lost two games in a row. Two games ago against UIC, they lost 82-77; in the last game against Drake, they lost 65-61. At halftime against Drake, they were down 38-27, and even though they fought back in the second half, they lost. Tayshawn Comer had a strong game, putting up 20 points, three rebounds, and three assists. Far too often this season, the offense hasn’t been good enough in the first half, and they need to do a better job of getting out to a fast start.
Evansville has an 11-19 record overall, and away from home, they have gone 4-10 away from home. They have also gone 14-16 against the spread. The biggest problem all season for Evansville has been the offense, averaging 66.9 points per game. The defense hasn’t been awful giving up a little over 70 points per game, but when the offense doesn’t score, that has hurt their chances. Tayshawn Corner has been the top player, averaging 16.2 points while shooting 39 percent from the field.
Why Evansville Will Cover Against Illinois State
- Illinois State has lost three of its last four day games against the Missouri Valley Conference.
- Evansville has won three of its last four games against Illinois State.
How Can Illinois State Bounce Back?
Illinois State has won two of the last three games but is coming off a loss in the previous game. Two games ago against Missouri State, they won 70-68. In the previous game against Southern Illinois, Illinois State scored 79 points, but the defense gave up 88 points, leading to the defeat. At halftime, they were down 43-35, and in the second half, they couldn’t put up much of a fight. Dalton Banks was the top offensive player, putting up 18 points, three rebounds, and two assists. Five different players ended up with at least 10 points.
Illinois State sits with a 17-13 record overall, and they have gone 17-11-1 against the spread. Not only have they been winning games, they have also been covering spreads. Illinois State averages 76.6 points while their defense gives up 73 points per game. They can score, but when this team has struggled, it’s usually been the defense that has let them down. Chase Walker has been the top player, averaging 15.4 points while shooting 59.3 percent from the field.
Total Points Facts
- Each of Illinois State’s last five home games against Conference opponents have produced a total of 153+ points.
- Each of Evansville’s last four day games against Conference opponents have produced a total of 146+ points.
Evansville vs Illinois State Prediction
Evansville already has a win over Illinois State this season, and even though they might not be as good on paper, they will still keep this one close. Illinois State’s defense has been a major issue all season giving up 73 points per game, and they will really struggle again here. Evansville has found a lot of success on Sunday, covering each of the last five games played on this day. Evansville might not score enough to win, but it’s enough to keep it close. Back Evansville against the spread.