| MATCHUP | Murray State Racers | Illinois State Redbirds |
|---|---|---|
| Team Records | 19-9 | 17-10 |
| Spread | +2.5 -108 | -2.5 -112 |
| Moneyline | +120 | -142 |
| Total | Over 158.5 (-110) | Under 158.5 (-110) |
| Where | CEFCU Arena, Normal, IL | |
| When | Wednesday, February 18, 2026 | |
| Time | 09:00 PM EST | |
| TV | ESPNU | |
In this article we will formulate a Murray State vs Illinois State prediction for this College Basketball game on Wednesday, February 18th at CEFCU Arena in Normal, Illinois. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this College Basketball matchup.
Murray State Racers Betting Preview
The Murray State Racers are 19-9 (11-6) this season after they lost to Belmont by a score of 87-70 in their last game. Murray State led 39-24 at halftime, but they were outscored 63-31 in the second half for the loss. The Racers shot 38% from the field, 34% on three pointers, and 62% on free throws in the game. KJ Tenner led Murray State with 21 points and one rebound, while Javon Jackson added 20 points and four rebounds in the loss.
Prior to that game, Murray State defeated Indiana State by a score of 74-72, but lost to Northern Iowa by a score of 89-60 before that. The Racers have scored 84.3 points per game with 37.1 rebounds and 13.8 assists per game, while they have allowed 79.5 points against per game this season. Javon Jackson is averaging 16.6 points and 2.9 assists per game, while Roman Domon is averaging 13.7 points and 5.0 rebounds per game for the Racers. Murray State is shooting 46.8% from the field, 75.9% on free throws, and 34.8% on three pointers this season.
Illinois State Redbirds Betting Preview
The Illinois State Redbirds are 17-10 (9-7) this year after they lost to UIC by a score of 83-56 in their last game. Illinois State trailed 33-26 at halftime and they allowed 50 points in the second half in the blowout loss. The Redbirds shot 36% from the field, 26% on three pointers, and 83% on free throws in the game. Johnny Kinziger led Illinois State with 12 points and three assists, while Boden Skunberg added nine points and four rebounds in the loss.
Prior to that game, Illinois State defeated Valpo by a score of 86-64, but lost to Evansville by a score of 88-80 before that. The Redbirds have scored 76.4 points per game with 36.5 rebounds and 13.9 assists per game, while they have allowed 68.1 points against per game this season. Chase Walker is averaging 13.7 points and 5.4 rebounds per game, while Johnny Kinziger is averaging 11.6 points and 3.0 assists per game for the Redbirds. Illinois State is shooting 46.8% from the field, 69.8% on free throws, and 35.1% on three pointers this year.
Why the Illinois State Redbirds will win
- Illinois State has won seven of its last eight night games at CEFCU Arena against non-AP-ranked opponents.
Why the Murray State Racers will win
- The road team has won four of the last five games between Murray State and Illinois State.
Total Points Facts
- Nine of Illinois State’s last 10 games against Conference opponents at CEFCU Arena have produced a total of 153 or fewer points.
- Four of Murray State’s last five road games against non-AP-ranked opponents have produced a total of 157+ points.
Murray State vs Illinois State Prediction
Murray State comes into this matchup after losing two of their last three games and they have played very poorly in the second half of their last two games. The Racers are shooting 47% from the field and they have allowed 81+ points in three of their last four games. Illinois State has alternated wins and losses over their last five games and they have scored 56 points or fewer in two of their last five. The Redbirds are shooting 47% from the field, but they have allowed 83 points or more in two of their last three. I think Murray State is much better than they have shown over the last three games and I like them to bounce back here.