Illinois State Redbirds vs Belmont Bruins NCAA Basketball Betting Pick & Prediction 12/4/24

Don’t miss out on the NCAA showdown between the Redbirds and Bruins. The game is starting at 7:00 ET on Gray, and it’s hosted by the Bruins at Curb Event Center in Nashville, TN. Get ready to place your bets! The over/under for this game is set at 149.5 points, and Belmont is favored by -6 vs. Illinois State in a Missouri Valley conference matchup.

ILLINOIS STATE REDBIRDS VS BELMONT BRUINS BETTING PICK

The Pick: Belmont Bruins -6

This game will be played at Curb Event Center at 7:00 ET on Wednesday, December 4th.

WHY BET THE BELMONT BRUINS:

• We have this one finishing with a projected score of 77-70 in favor of the Bruins.
• Not only will Belmont pick up the win, but look for them to cover at -6.
• The over/under is currently sitting at 149.5 points, and we like the under with a projected 147 points.

Can the Redbirds Pull Off a Road Win?

Illinois State Redbirds Recent Game/Games

The Redbirds fell to 3-3 on the season after a 72-64 loss to George Washington on Monday. Illinois State, who were +2.5 point underdogs, not only lost but also failed to cover the spread. The game’s total points of 136 fell short of the O/U line of 147.5.

Illinois State led 29-27 at halftime but were outscored 45-35 in the 2nd half. The Redbirds will need to tighten up defensively as they look to bounce back in their next game.

In their recent game, Illinois State put up 64 points, shooting 43.8% from the field with an effective field goal percentage of 47.9%. They struggled from beyond the arc, hitting just 4 of 18 attempts (22.2%), but found success inside, connecting on 56.7% of their two-point shots. At the free-throw line, they were efficient, making 18 of 21 attempts (85.7%).

The Redbirds managed only 4 offensive rebounds and recorded 6 assists. Chase Walker led the team with 18 points in 20 minutes, while Johnny Kinziger, Trey Autry, and Gerald Drumgoole Jr. each contributed 16 points. Autry was particularly effective, shooting 71.4% from the field and 3-point range.

Illinois State’s defense gave up 72 points in their last game, with the opposing team shooting 38% from the field on 19 of 50 attempts.

From beyond the arc, the other team made 10 of 28 threes, shooting 35%. They also went 24 of 30 from the free-throw line, hitting 80% of their foul shots.

Can Belmont Deliver Being Favored at Home?

Belmont improved to 5-2 on the season with an 83-74 win over Gardner-Webb on Friday. The Bruins, who were -8 favorites going into the game, covered the spread at home. The total points for the game reached 157, surpassing the O/U line of 152.5.

Belmont turned things around after trailing 44-37 at halftime. They clamped down defensively in the 2nd half, allowing just 30 points while scoring 46 of their own to secure the win.

Belmont’s offense put up 83 points in their last game, shooting 44.6% from the field. Their effective field goal percentage was 50%, with a strong 65.8% shooting inside the arc, but they struggled from three-point range, hitting just 22.2% on 8 of 36 attempts.

The Bruins were solid at the free-throw line, making 77.8% of their 18 attempts, and they grabbed 12 offensive rebounds. They also dished out 21 assists, with Darryl Simmons II leading the way with 23 points, including 3 made threes on 8 attempts.

Belmont’s defense gave up 74 points in their last game, allowing the opposing team to shoot 44% from the field, with 33 made baskets on 74 attempts. Inside the arc, the Bruins struggled, as their opponents hit 65% of their two-point shots, going 25/38.

From three-point range, Belmont’s defense held their opponents to just 22%, with only 8 made threes on 36 attempts. The Bruins also sent the other team to the free-throw line 18 times, where they converted 14 of those attempts, shooting 77%. Belmont allowed 12 offensive rebounds in the game.