Illinois State vs Murray State Prediction 1/28/2026 Today’s College Basketball Picks

The Illinois State Redbirds and the Murray State Racers meet Wednesday in college basketball action from CFSB Center. Here’s an Illinois State vs Murray State prediction. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best Illinois State vs Murray 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 got off to a nice run over their first 15 games this year. The Redbirds posted a 12-3 stretch in that time, losing to only Ohio, USC and Utah State. Since then however, it’s been a 2-4 run over the last six games. The losses in that time have been to Valparaiso, UIC, Indiana State and Belmont. Over 21 games so far this season that gives the Redbirds a 14-7 record in the books.

In the Belmont matchup last weekend, the Redbirds were sitting in the locker room looking up at a 44-36 deficit. Illinois State was outscored 36-33 the rest of the way and ended up losing on the road 80-69 by game’s end. Johnny Kinziger was the leading team scorer on 13 points with five assists and two rebounds, while both Chase Walker and Ty Pence added 12 points while combining for 14 rebounds.

Murray State Racers Betting Preview

Over on the Murray State side, they limped to a 4-3 record in their first seven games. The Racers took out George Washington, Morehead State, Bellarmine, Akron, Drake, Valparaiso, Southern Illinois, UIC, Bradley, Evansville, Valparaiso and Indiana State in succession from there, though. After two more losses to Drake and Northern Iowa, Murray State currently sits at 16-5 overall.

Matched up against Northern Iowa over the weekend, the Racers went into the second half with a slim 38-37 edge. Murray State was outscored 44-38 the rest of the way however, ultimately falling on the road in the end 81-76. Roman Domon topped the team on 29 points with two boards while Fredrick King managed to double up on 16 points and 11 rebounds in the losing effort.

Illinois State Redbirds @ Murray State Racers Betting Trends: January 28, 2026

Why the Murray State Racers will win

• Murray State has won each of its last 13 games at CFSB Center against non-AP-ranked opponents.
• Illinois State has lost 20 of its last 21 Wednesday road games against the Missouri Valley Conference.
• Illinois State has lost the first half in four of its last five road games against non-AP-ranked opponents.

Why the Illinois State Redbirds will win

• Illinois State has won six of its last eight night games.

Illinois State vs Murray State Prediction

I’ll stick with Murray State. The Racers need to bounce back after a road loss to a pretty good Northern Iowa team in their last outing, though. In that one Murray State hit a tepid 41.9 percent from the field with 26.9 percent (7-of-26) from outside. The Racers had a 33-29 rebounding edge and hit 85 percent (17-of-20) at the line, but also gave up 57.4 percent shooting on defense. Murray State has consecutive road losses on their card right now, giving up a whopping 182 combined points in that pair.

As for Illinois State, they shot just 37.9 percent from the field against a talented Belmont squad last weekend, giving up 58 percent on the other side. The Redbirds did have a 35-23 rebounding edge but also 13 turnovers and a 36-24 disadvantage in the paint. Illinois State can give the Racers some trouble here if all goes well; you could probably call this one either way.

Andrew Jett's Pick: Murray State Racers -3.5