The Illinois State Redbirds (14-10, 7-4 MVC) will be at JQH Arena to meet the Missouri State Bears (12-12, 6-5 MVC) in a MVC matchup. The game can be seen on ESPN 3 at 4 p.m. ET on Sunday, February 10, 2019.
Illinois State Redbirds vs. Missouri State Bears Betting Odds
In their last game, the Bears defeated the Southern Illinois Salukis, 65-59, while the Redbirds fell to the Valparaiso Crusaders, 69-53.
Missouri State played a nearly perfect game. They had a fantastic free throw rate of 0.386 (above their season average of 0.250) and a turnover percentage of 11.3 (better than their season average of 16.5). Southern Illinois recorded marks of 0.094 and 13.3, respectively, for those same stats. Illinois State, meanwhile, did a fantastic job of making free throws (10-14; 71.4 percent). Jarred Dixon played a key role for Missouri State with 19 points. Meanwhile, Zach Copeland had a good outing for Illinois State, recording 17 points.
The Redbirds dominated this series last year, emerging victorious in both games. In the last contest, Illinois State won 76-60. Illinois State had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.500 vs. 0.354). Missouri State, meanwhile, had a better turnover percentage (11.9 vs. 14.6). This is the first time these teams will go head-to-head this year.
Second-chance opportunities could be few and far between for Missouri State in this showdown. The Bears are among the nation’s elite on the offensive glass, ranking 233rd in offensive rebounding percentage at 27.3 percent. Meanwhile, Illinois State ranks 86th in the nation at corralling defensive rebounds with a defensive rebounding percentage of 74.0 percent.
Illinois State Redbirds at Missouri State Bears Betting Pick
Basketball Prediction: SU Winner – Missouri State, ATS Winner – Missouri State, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Missouri State ranks 34th in rebounds allowed per game (31.8) while Illinois State ranks 189th (35.8).
- The Bears average 7.1 steals per game, which ranks 67th in the nation. The Redbirds rank 83rd in steals allowed per game (5.9).
- Illinois State averages 23.8 three pointers per game, which ranks 107th in the country. Missouri State ranks 123rd in three pointers allowed per game (21.9).
- The Redbirds rank 13th in blocks allowed per game (2.3) while the Bears rank 78th (3.1).
- Illinois State ranks 106th in assists per game (14.2) while Missouri State ranks 138th in assists allowed per game (13.2).
Bettings Trends:
- The Bears’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 11.0, up from 2.8 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Redbirds have scored an average of 66.2 points per game (4.5 below their season average) and allowed an average of 65.6 points per game (5.5 below their season average).
