Illinois State Redbirds vs Evansville Aces NCAA Basketball Betting Pick & Prediction 1/8/25
Planning on watching today’s Redbirds and Aces game? Catch the action at Ford Center in Evansville, IN, as the Aces hosts this showdown at 8:00 ET on ESPN+. Illinois State is favored by -5.5 in this Missouri Valley conference showdown. The game’s over/under is currently at 134 points.
ILLINOIS STATE REDBIRDS VS EVANSVILLE ACES BETTING PICK
The Pick: Evansville Aces +5.5
This game will be played at Ford Center at 8:00 ET on Wednesday, January 8th.
WHY BET THE EVANSVILLE ACES:
- We have this one finishing with a projected score of 77-69 in favor of the Aces.
- Not only will Evansville pick up the win, but look for them to cover at +5.5.
- The over/under is currently sitting at 134 points, and we like the over with a projected 146 points.
Is a Road Win Possible for the Redbirds?
Illinois State Redbirds Recent Game/Games
Illinois State improved to 9-5 on the season with a dominant 85-54 win over Southern Illinois on Sunday. The Redbirds, who were -7.5 favorites, covered the spread in the victory.
Leading 44-23 at halftime, Illinois State continued to control the game in the second half, outscoring the Salukis 41-31. The total points for the game were 139, just under the O/U line of 140.5.
Illinois State’s offense was firing on all cylinders, scoring 85 points with a 60.8% field goal percentage in their last game. They were particularly effective from two-point range, hitting 78.3% of their shots, and their effective field goal percentage was an impressive 74.5%. From beyond the arc, the Redbirds connected on 46.4% of their attempts, making 13 threes.
Johnny Kinziger and Jack Daugherty each scored 17 points, with Kinziger shooting 85.7% overall and 75% from three. Daugherty hit 5 threes, shooting 55.6% from deep. Jordan Davis added 13 points and grabbed 10 rebounds, while the team dished out 19 assists in the win.
Despite Illinois State’s defensive struggles, allowing 54 points on 60% shooting, they still managed to hold their opponent to just 54 points. The Redbirds gave up 31 field goals, including 18 two-pointers at a 78% clip.
From beyond the arc, Illinois State’s defense allowed 13 threes on 28 attempts, a 46% shooting percentage. They also sent their opponent to the free-throw line 13 times, where they converted 10 free throws (76%). The Redbirds limited offensive rebounds, giving up just 6.
Can the Aces Please their Home Crowd?
Evansville Aces Recent Game/Games
Evansville fell to 4-10 on the season after a 66-62 home loss to Indiana State on Saturday. The Aces, who were +3 point underdogs, not only lost the game but also failed to cover the spread.
Evansville led 36-31 at halftime but managed just 26 points in the 2nd half while allowing 35. The total points for the game were 128, well under the O/U line of 150.5.
Evansville’s offense put up 62 points in their last game, shooting 40.7% from the field with an effective field goal percentage of 48.1%. They connected on 35% of their three-point attempts, hitting 7 of 20 from deep, while shooting 44.1% on two-point shots. At the free-throw line, the Aces made 11 of 18, finishing with a 61.1% success rate.
Jaden Daughtry led the way with 26 points in just 24 minutes, shooting 52.9% from the field. Tayshawn Comer added 24 points and 7 assists, hitting 3 of 6 from beyond the arc. Tanner Cuff contributed 11 points, making all of his three-point attempts and finishing with 6 rebounds and 4 assists.
Evansville’s defense held their opponent to 66 points on 40% shooting from the field, with 22 made field goals on 54 attempts. They allowed 15 two-point baskets on 34 attempts, a 44% shooting rate.
From beyond the arc, Evansville’s defense gave up 7 threes on 20 attempts, with their opponent shooting 35%. At the free-throw line, Evansville’s opponent shot 61%, making 11 of 18 free throws. The Aces also allowed 10 offensive rebounds.