Pick details
| MATCHUP | Illinois State Redbirds | Auburn Tigers |
|---|---|---|
| Team Records | 23-12 | 20-16 |
| Spread | +7.5 -105 | -7.5 -115 |
| Moneyline | +275 | -345 |
| Total | Over 148.5 (-115) | Under 148.5 (-105) |
| Where | Hinkle Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, IN | |
| When | Thursday, April 2, 2026 | |
| Time | 09:30 PM EDT | |
| TV | ESPN | |
The Auburn Tigers and the Illinois State Redbirds will meet on Thursday night in an NIT semifinal at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Illinois State Redbirds Betting Preview
The Illinois State Redbirds enter Thursday’s contest with a 23–12 win‑loss record, including a 12–8 mark in conference play and a rather impressive 14–2 record at home. The Redbirds have compiled wins over Dayton, Southern Illinois, Chicago State, Wake Forest and the Indiana State Sycamores, while losing games to Utah State, USC and the Ohio Bobcats.
More recently, in the Illinois State Redbirds dominant 79-58 victory over the Wake Forest Demon Deacons last month, Illinois State guard Landon Wolf amassed 24 points (8 of 14 shooting from the field: 5 of 11 shooting from three-point range) showcasing his ability to lead the Illinois State backcourt. Wolf also added 7 rebounds and 1 steal in the Redbirds defeat of Wake Forest.
The Illinois State Redbirds average 74.4 points on 46.1 percent shooting from the field and 34.8 percent shooting from three‑point range per game. Defensively, the Redbirds are allowing opponents 68.5 points per game which ranks 39th in the nation.
Junior forward Chase Walker leads the Illinois State Redbirds averaging 13.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1 steal per game. Junior guard Johnny Kinziger adds 11.4 points, 2.5 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 1.3 steals per contest. Senior guard Boden Skunberg provides the Redbirds with further backcourt depth averaging 10.1 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game
The winner of this game will face off against Tulsa or New Mexico in the NIT Championship game.
Auburn Tigers Betting Preview
The Auburn Tigers enter this NIT semifinal with a 20–16 overall record, including a 7–11 mark in conference play and an abysmal 2–8 record on the road. The Tigers have amassed recent wins over Nevada, Mississippi State, LSU, Kentucky, Texas, South Carolina and the Florida Gators, while dropping games to Tennessee, Alabama, Oklahoma, Missouri and the Texas A&M Aggies.
Six days ago, in the Auburn Tigers thrilling 75-69 win over the Nevada Wolfpack, Auburn forward Filip Jovic tallied 18 points (9 of 12 shooting from the field), 9 rebounds, 1 assist and 1 steal illustrating his ability to lead the Tigers offense.
The Auburn Tigers are averaging 82.6 points on 45.7 percent shooting from the field and 33.7 percent shooting from beyond the arc per game. Shifting our attention to the defensive side of the basketball, the Tigers are allowing opponents 78.9 points per contest which ranks a dreadful 295th in the nation.
Senior forward Keyshawn Hall leads the Auburn Tigers averaging 19.4 points, 6.9 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 1 steal per game. Senior forward KeShawn Murphy is averaging 10.7 points, 6.8 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 1 steal per contest. Sophomore guard Tahaad Pettiford provides the Tigers with backcourt stability contributing 15.3 points, 3 rebounds. 3.7 assists and 1 steal per game.
Why the Illinois State Redbirds Will Win
• Balanced scoring. Chase Walker and Johnny Kinziger combine for over 24 points per game.
• Defensive edge. The Illinois State Redbirds allow just 68.5 points per game which ranks 39th in the country. Conversely, the Auburn Tigers are allowing opponents 78.9 points per contest.
Why the Auburn Tigers Will Win
• Offensive edge. The Auburn Tigers are averaging 82.6 points on 45.7 percent shooting from the field and 33.7 percent shooting from beyond the arc per game.
• Auburn presents opponents with a balanced attack. The Tigers have four players averaging over 10 points a contest.
• Senior forward Keyshawn Hall averages 19.4 points, 6.9 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1 steal per game.
Auburn vs. Illinois State Prediction
Illinois State’s outstanding home court form (14-2) and elite defense are certainly legit concerns for an Auburn Tigers team that has struggled on the road (2-8) all season. In my view, Illinois State’s quality defense and home court edge will help keep the Redbirds inside the number (7.5) tomorrow night. For the reasons just noted, I am backing the Illinois State Redbirds plus the 7.5 points in this game.
Hans Geevers's Pick: Illinois State +7.5
