| MATCHUP | Illinois State Redbirds | Wake Forest Demon Deacons |
|---|---|---|
| Team Records | 21-12 | 18-16 |
| Spread | +7.5 -115 | -7.5 -105 |
| Moneyline | +260 | -325 |
| Total | Over 149.5 (-110) | Under 149.5 (-110) |
| Where | Wake Forest Stadium | |
| When | Sunday, March 22, 2026 | |
| Time | 04:30 PM EDT | |
| TV | ESPN2 | |
The Illinois State Redbirds and the Wake Forest Demon Deacons will meet on Sunday afternoon in an NIT second round matchup at Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Winston‑Salem, North Carolina.
Illinois State Redbirds Betting Preview
The Illinois State Redbirds enter Sunday’s contest with a 21–12 win‑loss record, including a 12–8 mark in conference play and a 5–7 record at home. The Redbirds have amassed wins over Charlotte, Southern Illinois, Chicago State, Coastal Carolina and the Indiana State Sycamores, while losing games to Ohio, USC and the Utah State Aggies.
Three days ago, in the Illinois State Redbirds convincing 79-58 victory over the Wake Forest Demon Deacons, Illinois State guard Landon Wolf amassed 24 points (8 of 14 shooting from the field: 5 of 11 shooting from beyond the arc) illustrating his ability to lead the Redbirds offensively. Wolf also added 7 rebounds and 1 steal in the Redbirds defeat of Wake Forest.
The Illinois State Redbirds average 74.7 points on 46.1 percent shooting from the field and 34.9 percent shooting from three‑point range per game. Defensively, the Redbirds are allowing opponents 68.8 points per game which ranks 46th in the nation.
Junior forward Chase Walker leads the Illinois State Redbirds averaging 13.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1 steal per game. Junior guard Johnny Kinziger adds 11.4 points, 2.5 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 1.3 steals per contest. Senior guard Boden Skunberg provides the Redbirds with further backcourt depth averaging 10.1 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game.
Wake Forest Demon Deacons Betting Preview
The Wake Forest Demon Deacons enter Sunday afternoon’s contest with an 18–16 overall record, including a 7–11 mark in conference play and a 13-6 road at home. The Demon Deacons have compiled wins over California, Syracuse, Clemson, Stanford and the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets, while losing recent games to Virginia, Boston College and the Duke Blue Devils.
More recently, in Wake Forest Demon Deacons 80–73 victory over the California Golden Bears earlier this month, Wake Forest guard Juke Harris tallied a rather impressive 31 points (10 of 22 shooting from the field: 2 of 6 shooting from three-point range: 9 of 13 from the free-throw line), 15 rebounds and 3 assists illustrating his ability to lead the Demon Deacons frontcourt.
Wake Forest is averaging 78.9 points on 45.1 percent shooting from the field and 34.2 percent shooting from beyond the arc per game. Shifting our focus to the defensive side of the basketball, the Demon Deacons are allowing opponents 76.9 points per contest.
Sophomore guard Juke Harris leads Wake Forest Demon Deacons averaging 21.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 1.3 steal per game. Junior guard Myles Colvin provides the Demon Deacons with further backcourt depth averaging 11.6 points and 4.4 rebounds per contest.
Why the Illinois State Redbirds Will Win
• Balanced scoring. Chase Walker and Johnny Kinziger combine for over 24 points per game.
• Defensive edge. The Illinois State Redbirds allow just 68.8 points per game which ranks 46th in the country. Conversely, the Wake Forest Demon Deacons allow opponents 76.9 points per contest.
Why the Wake Forest Demon Deacons Will Win
• Guard play. Sophomore guard Juke Harris leads Wake Forest Demon Deacons averaging 21.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 1.3 steals per game.
• Momentum. The Wake Forest Demon Deacons have won two of the team’s last three games played this season, including a thrilling 95-89 overtime win over the Virginia Tech Hokies.
Illinois State vs. Wake Forest Prediction
In my view, this matchup favors Wake Forest due to the Demon Deacons offensive ceiling and home court edge. Illinois State has played relatively well recently, but the Redbirds have struggled on the road this season. I like the Demon Deacons to pull away late and cover the number (6.5) in this contest. For the reasons just noted, I am backing the Wake Forest Demon Deacons to cover the 6.5 points in this game.