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Southern Illinois vs Illinois State Prediction 2/3/2026 Today’s College Basketball Picks

Pick details

MATCHUP Southern Illinois Salukis Illinois State Redbirds
Team Records 10-13 15-8
Where CEFCU Arena, Normal, IL
When Tuesday, February 3, 2026
Time 07:00 PM EST
TV ESPN+

The Southern Illinois Salukis and Illinois State Redbirds meet Tuesday in the college basketball action at the CEFCU Arena. Here’s a Southern Illinois vs Illinois State Prediction. This article will include a Southern Illinois vs Illinois State Pick.

Southern Illinois Salukis Betting Preview

The Southern Illinois Salukis beat Northern Iowa, lost to UIC, and they play Murray State next. Southern Illinois has lost 5 of its last 6 games.

The Southern Illinois Salukis are averaging 74.6 points on 46.2 percent shooting and allowing 72 points on 42.4 percent shooting. Quel’Ron House is averaging 13.5 points and 3.2 assists, while Rolyns Aligbe is averaging 9.7 points and 6.7 rebounds. Drew Steffe is dishing 2.6 assists and Damien Mayo Jr. is grabbing 3 rebounds. The Southern Illinois Salukis are shooting 28.9 percent from beyond the arc and 66 percent from the free throw line. The Southern Illinois Salukis are allowing 30 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 34.6 rebounds per game.

Illinois State Redbirds Betting Preview

The Illinois State Redbirds lost to Belmont, beat Murray State, and they play Drake next. Illinois State has won 3 of its last 4 games.

The Illinois State Redbirds are averaging 77.5 points on 47.6 percent shooting and allowing 67 points on 41.8 percent shooting. Chase Walker is averaging 14 points and 5.8 rebounds, while Johnny Kinziger is averaging 11.5 points and 2.7 rebounds. Boden Skunberg is the third double-digit scorer and Ty’Reek Coleman is grabbing 2.2 rebounds. The Illinois State Redbirds are shooting 35.2 percent from beyond the arc and 69.2 percent from the free throw line. The Illinois State Redbirds are allowing 31.2 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 34.8 rebounds per game.

Why the Illinois State Redbirds will win

  • Illinois State has won 11 of its last 12 games at CEFCU Arena against non-AP-ranked opponents.
  • Southern Illinois has lost eight of its last nine night games against non-AP-ranked opponents.
  • Southern Illinois has lost the first half in each of its last five road night games against the Missouri Valley Conference.

Why the Southern Illinois Salukis will win

  • Southern Illinois has won three of its last four games against Illinois State following a home loss.

Total Points Facts

  • Seven of Illinois State’s last eight night games against the Missouri Valley Conference at CEFCU Arena have produced a total of 149+ points.
  • Each of Southern Illinois’ last four games against non-AP-ranked opponents have produced a total of 141 or fewer points.

Matchup/League Facts

  • Illinois State ranks 31st among Division 1 teams for opponent free throw percentage this season (68.5%).
  • Illinois State ranks T33rd among Division 1 teams for opponent three-point field goals made per game this season (6.4).
  • Southern Illinois ranks 50th among Division 1 teams for opponent free throw percentage this season (69.3%).

Southern Illinois vs Illinois State Prediction

Illinois State has a handful of bad losses on its resume, so I’m not thrilled to lay a significant number here. However, Southern Illinois has just one double-digit scorer on its roster. Illinois State can shoot the ball with the best of them. If shots fall, Southern Illinois just doesn’t have the offensive horses to keep up. Illinois State beat Southern Illinois in December on the road, and the Salukis scored 68 points. I’ll lay the points with the Redbirds.

Randy Chambers's Pick: Illinois State -7.5

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