Illinois State vs Belmont Prediction 1/24/2026 Today’s College Basketball Picks

The Illinois State Redbirds and the Belmont Bruins meet Saturday in college basketball action from Curb Event Center in Nashville. This game was originally scheduled for Sunday but was pushed up one day due to weather. Here’s an Illinois State vs Belmont prediction. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best Illinois State vs Belmont pick. We will examine the recent form and player performances for both teams, as well as the recent betting trends and streaks pertaining to this matchup. As we conclude, we will tie it all together with a summary that produces a sensible pick for a favorable betting outcome in this game.

Illinois State Redbirds Betting Preview

This year the Redbirds lost two of their first three games to Ohio and USC, but then hit a nice seven-game win streak. Illinois State would then lose to Utah State before another win streak over the next four games. After losses to Valparaiso, UIC and Indiana State, Illinois State took wins over Bradley and Northern Iowa in the next pair. That gives the team a 14-6 record in 20 games so far.

In the Northern Iowa matchup on Wednesday the Redbirds entered the second half with a 24-16 lead. Illinois State was outscored 38-35 the rest of the way, but still managed to hang on for a nice home victory 59-54 in the end. Boden Skunberg was tops on the team with 20 points and eight rebounds, while Ty’Reek Coleman had eight points and four boards in the winning effort.

Belmont Bruins Betting Preview

Over on the Belmont side, they opened the season on a great run. The Bruins took wins in their first eight games before a loss to Richmond on December 3. Belmont would win four more before a 1-2 run that featured losses to Indiana State and Southern Illinois. After wins over Northern Iowa, Drake, Valparaiso and Southern Illinois, the Bruins are sitting at a nice 17-3 on the season through 20 outings.

Matched up against Southern Illinois last weekend, the Bruins were in the locker room sitting on a solid 32-24 edge. Belmont was outscored slightly 44-41 the rest of the way but still held on for the victory on the road 73-68 in the end. Eoin Dillon led the team on 18 points with four rebounds, while Jack Smiley added 14 points with four rebounds and three assists in 26 minutes on the floor.

Illinois State Redbirds @ Belmont Bruins Betting Trends: January 25, 2026

Why the Belmont Bruins will win

• Belmont has won 14 of its last 16 day games at Curb Event Center against non-AP-ranked opponents.
• Illinois State has lost each of its last five Sunday road games against the Missouri Valley Conference.
• Illinois State has lost the first half in three of its last four road games against non-AP-ranked opponents.

Why the Illinois State Redbirds will win

• Illinois State has won each of its last six Sunday day games.
• Illinois State has won the first half in three of its last four day games against non-AP-ranked opponents.

Illinois State vs Belmont Prediction

I’ll take Belmont in this one, but you could call it either way. The Bruins were able to get past a middling Southern Illinois team in their last outing, despite hitting a tepid 41.9 percent from the field and 20 percent (5-of-25) from outside. Belmont was great in the paint however (a 42-22 advantage) and had just nine turnovers. The Bruins have won four straight games now, scoring 73 or more points in each of those.

As for Illinois State, they shot just 37.5 percent from the field and 28 percent (7-of-25) from 3-point range in their win over Northern Iowa. The Redbirds also had 15 turnovers but made up for it with a 40-27 advantage on the boards and 16-of-18 (88.9 percent) at the line. Illinois State has won consecutive games now, but they’re also just 2-3 in the last five. We should have a pretty good matchup here if both teams play to their capabilities.

Andrew Jett's Pick: Belmont Bruins TBA