Match Analysis: Illinois St Redbirds vs Cornell Big Red – Prediction
Match Details
- Date: 2025-11-09
- Time: 7:00 PM UTC
- Location: CEFCU Arena, Normal, Illinois
Game Overview
The Illinois State Redbirds host the Cornell Big Red in an early season NCAAB matchup, both teams coming off 0-1 starts. Illinois State lost a close road game to Ohio 72-68, while Cornell dropped a high-scoring game 110-102 at Kent State. Illinois State is slight favorite at home with strong defensive potential, whereas Cornell boasts high offensive efficiency but struggles defensively.
Key Factors to Consider
- Illinois State has shown solid defense but low scoring in their opener, shooting 43.5% from the field with limited three-point efficiency (30.8%), whereas Cornell demonstrated high offensive output, shooting 52.4% overall with 47.5% on threes but gave up 110 points to Kent State, indicating defensive vulnerabilities. Both teams average close to 80 points but Illinois State projects around 86.5 points, Cornell around 79 points in this matchup.
- In their last meeting, Illinois State edged Cornell by a close 80-77 scoreline. Historically competitive, the matchup tends toward close scoring with Illinois State holding a slight edge at home.
- No significant injury reports available for either team at this time, so both are expected to compete at full strength.
- Game played at Illinois State's home court CEFCU Arena, which gives them a home advantage. The game is broadcast on ESPN+ with a tip-off at 2:00 PM ET (19:00 UTC). No weather or other external conditions impact the indoor venue.
- Both teams are motivated to salvage their seasons early after 0-1 starts. Illinois State aims to exploit home court and defensive strengths, while Cornell looks to leverage its high-powered offense to overcome defensive lapses.
Odds and Predictions
| Category | Odds | Prediction | Confidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Moneyline | Cornell Big Red: +295, Illinois St Redbirds: -375 | Illinois State Redbirds moneyline win | β β β ββ 60% |
| Spread | Cornell Big Red: +7.5 -102, Illinois St Redbirds: -7.5 -118 | Illinois State -7.5 spread cover | β β β ββ 57% |
| Over/under | Over: 165.5 -112, Under: 165.5 -108 | Under 165.5 points | β β β ββ 62% |
Top EV Betting Odds
Discover the best value bets based on our EV analysis.
| Market | EV Pick |
|---|---|
| Moneyline | Illinois St Redbirds 192% |
| Spread | N/A |
| Over/Under | Under 165.5 19% |
π₯ Best Value Pick: Illinois St Redbirds at 192% EV | Suggested Bet Size: 65.2% (Kelly Criterion)
Predicted Outcome
Illinois State to win with a moderate spread cover
Predicted Score: Illinois State 84 – Cornell 76