Illinois State vs Long Beach State Prediction 11/16/2025 Today’s College Basketball Picks

The Illinois State Redbirds and the Long Beach State Beach meet Sunday in college basketball action from Walter Pyramid. Here’s an Illinois State vs Long Beach State prediction. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best Illinois State vs Long Beach State 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

Illinois State had mixed results over their first couple of games, starting with a November 6 matchup versus Ohio. The Redbirds held a 31-31 tie in the first half but eventually fell behind and lost 72-68. Leading the team during the losing effort were Boden Skunberg (seven rebounds) and Johnny Kinziger (four rebounds; three assists), each with 15 points. Ty Pence added 14 points with seven rebounds in 33 minutes as well. Game two went a lot better for the Redbirds, as they pulled off their first win versus Cornell last weekend. Illinois State hit a 42-33 advantage in the second half on the way to a 76-65 victory. This time it was Ty’Reek Coleman leading the team on 24 points in 25 minutes. Chase Walker added 13 points and four boards, while Johnny Kinziger had 11 points with seven rebounds in 32 minutes of work.

In Friday’s matchup with USC, the Redbirds were down by 14 points at the half and limped to an 87-67 road loss in the end. Leading team scorer Ty’Reek Coleman put up 16 points with two rebounds and two assists. The only other team player to finish in double-digits during the loss was Johnny Kinziger with 15 points and two assists in 31 minutes on the court.

Long Beach State Beach Betting Preview

Over on the Beach’s side, it’s been a struggle through three games this year. The Beach kicked things off versus San Diego State, falling behind 40-25 in the first half on the way to a 77-45 defeat. Long Beach State’s only double-digit scorer in the loss was Petar Majstorovic with a double-double on 13 points and 10 boards in 25 minutes of action during the defeat. In game two versus Fresno State, Long Beach State took another double-digit loss, this time 82-62 following a 54-42 second half. Gavin Sykes topped the team with 11 points and five boards. Both Isaiah Lewis (three rebounds) and Rob Diaz (two rebounds) had 10 points apiece.

In their third outing of the season on Wednesday versus Pacific, the Beach got close but no proverbial cigar. Long Beach Sate was up by five points at halftime then closed on a 44-36 deficit in a 69-66 loss. Gavin Sykes led the way with 20 points and seven rebounds while Isaiah Lewis had 14 points, three assists and one rebound in 27 minutes of work on the court.

Illinois State Redbirds @ Long Beach State Beach Betting Trends: November 16, 2025

Why the Long Beach State Beach will win

• The home team has won each of Long Beach State’s last three games.

Why the Illinois State Redbirds will win

• Long Beach State has lost each of its last 18 games against non-AP-ranked opponents.
• Illinois State has won four of its last five day games against non-Conference opponents.

Illinois State vs Long Beach State Prediction

I’ll stick with Illinois State. I’m probably not touching this one though. The Redbirds didn’t measure up to USC, shooting just 34.3 percent from the field in a 20-point loss on Friday. That said, Illinois State was pretty sharp on the boards and in the paint—or at least competitive.

As for LBSU, they didn’t play terribly versus Pacific in their latest outing. That said, the Beach have plenty to improve on after a tepid 41.1 percent shooting, 12-of-21 (57.1 percent) from the line and a 34-22 deficit in the paint. The 34-28 rebounding disadvantage and 12 turnovers didn’t help either. Playing at Walter Pyramid will provide a lift for Sunday’s matchup, though.

Andrew Jett's Pick: Illinois State Redbirds TBA