| MATCHUP | Illinois State Redbirds | Drake Bulldogs |
|---|---|---|
| Team Records | 10-3 | 7-6 |
| Spread | -2.5 -118 | +2.5 -102 |
| Moneyline | -162 | +136 |
| Total | Over 147.5 (-112) | Under 147.5 (-108) |
| Where | Knapp Center, Des Moines, IA | |
| When | Monday, December 29, 2025 | |
| Time | 09:00 PM EST | |
| TV | ESPN+ | |
Illinois State Redbirds Betting Preview
The Illinois State Redbirds beat Southern Illinois and Indiana State, and they play Evansville next. Illinois State has won 9 of its last 10 games.
The Illinois State Redbirds are averaging 81 points on 49 percent shooting and allowing 67.4 points on 41.8 percent shooting. Ty Pence is averaging 12.4 points and 4.5 rebounds, while Chase Walker is averaging 12.3 points and 5.4 rebounds. Johnny Kinziger is the third double-digit scorer and Boden Skunberg is grabbing 4.7 rebounds. The Illinois State Redbirds are shooting 35.4 percent from beyond the arc and 67 percent from the free throw line. The Illinois State Redbirds are allowing 30.4 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 34.7 rebounds per game.
Drake Bulldogs Betting Preview
The Drake Bulldogs beat Evansville, lost to Murray State, and they play Indiana Satte next. Drake has lost 3 of its last 4 games.
The Drake Bulldogs are averaging 79.2 points on 46.6 percent shooting and allowing 69.2 points on 40.7 percent shooting. Jalen Quinn is averaging 17.8 points and 4.2 rebounds, while Okku Federiko is averaging 12.7 points and 1.5 assists. Jaehshon Thomas is the third double-digit scorer and Wilguens Jr. Exacte is grabbing 5.6 rebounds. The Drake Bulldogs are shooting 37.1 percent from beyond the arc and 75.3 percent from the free throw line. The Drake Bulldogs are allowing 33.5 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 33 rebounds per game.
Why the Drake Bulldogs will win
- Drake has won each of its last 12 night games against the Missouri Valley Conference at Knapp Center.
- Illinois State has lost each of its last six games at Knapp Center against non-AP-ranked opponents.
- Illinois State has lost the first half in each of its last six games at Knapp Center against non-AP-ranked opponents.
Why the Illinois State Redbirds will win
- Illinois State has won nine of its last 10 games against non-AP-ranked opponents.
- Drake has lost three of its last four games against non-AP-ranked opponents.
- Illinois State has won the first half in three of its last four night games against non-AP-ranked opponents.
Total Points Facts
- Nine of Drake’s last 10 games against the Missouri Valley Conference Conference have produced a total of 131 or fewer points.
- Four of Illinois State’s last five games against non-AP-ranked opponents have produced a total of 148+ points.
Matchup/League Facts
- Drake ranks T31st among Division 1 teams for opponent free throw percentage this season (66.7%).
- Drake ranks 39th among Division 1 teams for opponent free throws made per game this season (11.5).
- Illinois State ranks T50th among Division 1 teams for opponent steals per game this season (5.7).
- Illinois State ranks 50th among Division 1 teams for field goal percentage this season (49.0%).
Illinois State vs Drake Prediction
Illinois State has been the better team up to this point and has the offensive firepower to give Drake all sorts of problems. Drake has also been sluggish defensively during this recent losing stretch. However, Drake has owned this rivalry over the years, which includes 10 straight wins and covers in 4 of the last 5 meetings. Drake can also score the ball at an above-average clip, it’s just about being cleaner defensively. At home and the one-sided H2H, I’ll grab the bucket with Drake.