| MATCHUP | Northern Iowa Panthers | Illinois State Redbirds |
|---|---|---|
| Team Records | 12-7 | 13-6 |
| Spread | +6.5 -105 | -6.5 -115 |
| Moneyline | +235 | -290 |
| Total | Over 131.5 (-112) | Under 131.5 (-108) |
| Where | CEFCU Arena, Normal, IL | |
| When | Wednesday, January 21, 2026 | |
| Time | 09:00 PM EST | |
| TV | ESPNU | |
The Northern Iowa Panthers and the Illinois State Redbirds meet Wednesday in college basketball action from CEFCU Arena in Normal. Here’s a Northern Iowa vs Illinois State prediction. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best Northern Iowa vs Illinois 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.
Northern Iowa Panthers Betting Preview
The Panthers managed a nice opening to the season, going 9-2 over their first 11 games. The only losses in that time were versus Tulsa and Wichita State. After another loss to Saint Mary’s and wins over Valparaiso, Indiana State and Evansville, Northern Iowa has since lost to Belmont, Bradley, UIC and Valparaiso in succession. That gives the Panthers a 12-7 overall run across the first 19 games.
In the Valparaiso rematch on the road Saturday, the Panthers entered the second half with a deficit by four points 22-18. Northern Iowa limped through a 32-26 deficit in the second half and walked away with a tough road loss 54-44. The only player on the team to reach double-figures was Ben Schwieger with 10 points and four rebounds. Max Weisbrod added nine points with six rebounds in 34 minutes of work.
Illinois State Redbirds Betting Preview
Over on the Redbirds’ side, they lost two of their first three games to Ohio and USC this year. Illinois State woke up on a seven-game win streak from there, then lost to Utah State before another win streak through four games heading into January. The Redbirds lost to Valparaiso, UIC and Indiana State after that before a win over Bradley. In 19 games that gives Illinois State a 13-6 overall record so far.
In the Bradley matchup at home on Saturday, the Redbirds were in the locker room with a 44-29 edge. Illinois State scored another 44 points in the second half on the way to a nice win 88-62 in the end. Boden Skunberg led the way on 23 points with four rebounds and one assist, while Chase Walker had 20 points with 11 rebounds. Landon Moore added 10 points with two rebounds in 18 minutes of action.
Northern Iowa Panthers @ Illinois State Redbirds Betting Trends: January 21, 2026
Why the Illinois State Redbirds will win
- Illinois State has won 10 of its last 11 games at CEFCU Arena against non-AP-ranked opponents.
- Northern Iowa has lost each of its last four games against non-AP-ranked opponents.
- Northern Iowa has lost the first half in five of its last six road games against the Missouri Valley Conference.
Why the Northern Iowa Panthers will win
- Northern Iowa has won seven of its last eight night games against Illinois State.
- Illinois State has lost three of its last four games against non-AP-ranked opponents.
Northern Iowa vs Illinois State Prediction
I’ll lean toward Illinois State but you could call this either way. The Redbirds got a nice home win over Bradley this past weekend, shooting 53.1 percent from the field with a 38-28 rebounding advantage and a 42-24 edge on points in the paint. Illinois State held the Braves to just 35.1 percent shooting on defense as well. The Redbirds needed the victory, as they’d taken three straight losses prior to that. Illinois State has scored 71 or more points in 15 of the last 16 games, though.
As for Northern Iowa, they had all sorts of offensive difficulty in their loss to Valparaiso over the weekend. The Panthers shot just 33.3 percent from the field and 20 percent (4-of-20) from outside with a dismal 2-of-7 (28.6 percent) from the line in a low-scoring defeat. Northern Iowa has lost four straight games now, and they’ve failed to hit 70 points in all of them.