Illinois State vs Bradley Prediction 2/21/2026 Today’s College Basketball Picks

The Illinois State Redbirds and Bradley Braves meet Saturday in college basketball action at the Carver Arena. Here’s an Illinois State vs. Bradley prediction. This article will include an Illinois State vs. Bradley pick.

Illinois State Redbirds Betting Preview

The Illinois State Redbirds lost to UIC, beat Murray State, and play Northern Iowa next. Illinois State has split its last 8 games.

The Illinois State Redbirds are averaging 76.5 points on 47.1 percent shooting and allowing 67.8 points on 42.6 percent shooting. Chase Walker is averaging 13.7 points and 5.4 rebounds, while Johnny Kinziger is averaging 11.4 points and 2.5 rebounds. Ty’Reek Coleman is the third double-digit scorer, and Boden Skunberg is grabbing 4.4 rebounds. The Illinois State Redbirds are shooting 35.3 percent from beyond the arc and 69.3 percent from the free throw line. The Illinois State Redbirds are allowing 32 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 34 rebounds per game.

Bradley Braves Betting Preview

The Bradley Braves beat Southern Illinois and lost to Valparaiso, and they play UIC next. Bradley has won 8 of its last 12 games.

The Bradley Braves are averaging 77 points on 43.5 percent shooting and allowing 72.6 points on 44.7 percent shooting. Jaquan Johnson is averaging 16.9 points and 4.1 rebounds, while Alex Huibregtse is averaging 12.4 points and 3.3 rebounds. Demarion Burch is dishing 1.1 assists, and Montana Wheeler is grabbing 1.2 rebounds. The Bradley Braves are shooting 36.4 percent from beyond the arc and 73.3 percent from the free throw line. The Bradley Braves are allowing 35.1 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 31.3 rebounds per game.

Why the Bradley Braves will win

• Bradley has won 10 of its last 11 games at Carver Arena against non-AP-ranked opponents.
• Illinois State has lost seven of its last eight games at Carver Arena against non-AP-ranked opponents.
• The home team has won the first half in each of the last three games between Illinois State and Bradley.

Why the Illinois State Redbirds will win

• Illinois State has won three of its last four night games against non-AP-ranked opponents.
• Illinois State has won the first half in three of its last four night games at Carver Arena against non-AP-ranked opponents.

Total Points Facts

• Twenty-three of Illinois State’s last 26 Saturday night games against the Missouri Valley Conference have produced a total of 144 or fewer points.
• Seven of Bradley’s last eight Saturday night home games against the Missouri Valley Conference have produced a total of 134 or fewer points.

Matchup/League Facts

• Bradley ranks T29th among Division 1 teams for turnovers per game this season (9.8).
• Bradley ranks T45th among Division 1 teams for opponent turnovers per game this season (14.0).
• Illinois State ranks 41st among Division 1 teams for opponent points per game this season (67.8).
• Illinois State ranks 41st among Division 1 teams for defensive rating this season (100.1).

Illinois State vs Bradley Prediction

Bradley is a strong team at home and scores the ball well enough to win this game, but I’m grabbing the points. Illinois State waxed Bradley last month, scoring 88 points on 53 percent shooting. Bradley is also just 10-17 ATS on the season. Illinois State has 4 road wins on the season and is one of the better defensive sides in the country. There’s not much separating these teams, and you can argue Illinois State is the better team. Home court doesn’t swing things this much for me. Give me Illinois State and the points.

Randy Chambers's Pick: Illinois State +4