Illinois State vs Southern Illinois Prediction 12/18/2025 Today’s College Basketball Picks

The Illinois State Redbirds and the Southern Illinois Salukis meet Thursday in college basketball action from the Banterra Center. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best bets for this game. Here’s an Illinois State Redbirds vs. Southern Illinois Salukis prediction.

Illinois State Redbirds Recap

The Illinois State Redbirds come into this game looking to bounce back from an 83-78 loss at the hands of Utah State last time out to sit at 8-3 this season. After this game, Illinois State will take on Indiana State at home.

Redbirds Have 7-Game Win Streak Snapped

Johnny Kinziger leads the Redbirds in scoring with 13 PPG and in assists with 3 APG along with 2.5 RPG while Ty’Reek Coleman has 11.9 PPG and Chase Walker has 11.5 PPG with 5.3 RPG and 2.4 APG. Ty Pence has 11.3 PPG with 4.9 RPG and 2 APG while Boden Skunberg has 10.7 PPG with 4.6 RPG to cap off the group of double-digit scorers for Illinois State so far this season. Brandon Lieb also has a team-high 5.4 RPG to lead Illinois State in rebounding so far this season. As a team, Illinois State is averaging 81.2 PPG with 48.7% shooting from the field, 36.5% from three and 68.4% from the foul line this season.

Southern Illinois Salukis Recap

The Southern Illinois Salukis come into this game looking to rebound from their 93-84 loss at the hands of Richmond last time out to sit at 8-3 this season. After this game, Southern Illinois will head on the road for a game against Bradley.

Salukis Snap Three-Game Win Streak

Quel’Ron House leads Southern Illinois in scoring with 14.5 PPG along with 2.9 RPG and 2.8 APG as the lone double-digit scorer for Southern Illinois so far this season. Davion Sykes has 9.5 PPG with 5.1 RPG while Drew Steffe has 9.4 PPG with 2.3 RPG and a team-high 2.9 APG to lead the Salukis in assists. Rolyns Aligbe has 9 PPG with a team-high 6.4 RPG to lead Southern Illinois in rebounding this season. As a team, Southern Illinois is averaging 80.6 PPG on 49.1% shooting from the field, 28.3% from three and 68.3% from the foul line so far this season.

Illinois State Redbirds @ Southern Illinois Salukis Betting Trends: December 18, 2025

Why the Southern Illinois Salukis will win

• Southern Illinois has won each of its last six night games against Illinois State.
• Illinois State has lost eight of its last nine games at Banterra Center.
• Southern Illinois has won the first half in seven of its last eight games at Banterra Center.

Why the Illinois State Redbirds will win

• Illinois State has won seven of its last eight games.
• Southern Illinois has lost four of its last five night games against Conference opponents.
• Illinois State has won the first half in each of its last three night games.

Total Points Facts

• Each of Illinois State’s last eight Thursday games against Conference opponents have produced a total of 142 or fewer points.
• Nineteen of the last 21 games between Illinois State and Southern Illinois have produced a total of 144 or fewer points.

Matchup/League Facts

• Southern Illinois ranks 360th among Division 1 teams for three-point field goals made per game this season (4.8).
• Southern Illinois ranks T46th among Division 1 teams for field goals made per game this season (30.4).
• Illinois State ranks T38th among Division 1 teams for opponent free throw percentage this season (66.7%).
• Illinois State ranks T45th among Division 1 teams for opponent steals per game this season (5.5).

Illinois State Redbirds vs. Southern Illinois Salukis Prediction

I’m on Southern Illinois in this one. I get the case to be made for Southern Illinois but I haven’t been all that impressed with the Redbirds after that loss to Utah State. Southern Illinois has one of the more underrated home court edges in the MVC, and I think that I trust the Salukis more in this spot. Give me Southern Illinois here.

Chris Ruffolo's Pick: Southern Illinois -2.5