NFL Previews 
MLB Previews 
NBA Previews 
NHL Previews 
Soccer Previews 
Drake Bulldogs vs Illinois State Redbirds Betting Preview
The Drake Bulldogs visit the Illinois State Redbirds in a Missouri Valley Conference matchup at CEFCU Arena in Normal. Drake enters with a 13-12 record and looks to rebound after a loss to Belmont, while Illinois State aims to defend its 14-9 overall mark after a defeat against Southern Illinois. With the Redbirds favored by 10.5 points, this contest highlights a battle between Drake’s perimeter shooting and Illinois State’s home dominance.
Line Movement and Odds
Illinois State is favored, but Drake’s offensive pace makes this line worth tracking. Current market:
- Illinois State Spread: -10.5 (-117)
- Drake Spread: +10.5 (-109)
- Illinois State MoneyLine: -615
- Drake MoneyLine: +420
- Total: 143.5 (-110)
Check the college basketball picks for real-time updates, especially as bettors weigh Illinois State’s home dominance against Drake’s ability to cover spreads.
Your Shortcut to the Sharp Side
Watch every verified capper’s move unfold across all major sports.
Matchup Breakdown
Drake Outlook
The Bulldogs average 77.7 points per game, with Jalen Quinn, Jaehshon Thomas, and Andrew Alia leading the offense. Quinn’s 22 points vs Belmont highlighted his consistency, while Alia’s 44% three-point shooting adds balance. Drake’s efficiency (53.1% effective FG percentage; 9.5 made threes per game, 87th nationally; 6-4 road record) underscores their strengths. Their ability to score efficiently and stretch defenses makes them dangerous underdogs.
Illinois State Outlook
The Redbirds average 76.3 points per game, with Chase Walker, Johnny Kinziger, and Darius Burford driving production. Walker’s 14 points per game highlight his consistency, while Kinziger’s perimeter shooting adds balance. Illinois State’s efficiency (14-9 overall record; 11-2 at home; 46.9% FG shooting, 94th nationally; 37.2 rebounds per game, 121st nationally) underscores their strengths. Their ability to rebound and defend at home makes them tough to beat in Normal.
Key Factors
This matchup may hinge on tempo and perimeter shooting. Drake thrives on Quinn’s scoring and Alia’s perimeter accuracy, while Illinois State must rely on Walker’s inside presence and Kinziger’s consistency to tilt the game. Execution in the final minutes will likely decide whether Drake can cover the spread.
Injuries / Availability
Drake: The Bulldogs report no fresh injury concerns heading into Friday’s contest.
Illinois State: The Redbirds are expected to have their full rotation available.
Environment
CEFCU Arena has been a fortress for Illinois State, where they’ve gone 11-2 this season. Drake, however, has shown resilience with a 6-4 road record, making this a clash of Redbirds’ home dominance versus Bulldogs’ offensive grit.
UP TO $250 BONUS BET
The Best Live In-Game Betting
21+ Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
Best Bets and Prediction
Projected Final Score: Illinois State 72, Drake 68
- Drake +10.5 → Best Bet. Their offensive pace and three-point shooting suggest they can keep the game closer than expected.
- Under 143.5 → Total play. Both teams’ slower tempo points toward a combined score below the line.
Illinois State’s depth and rebounding should carry them to victory, while Drake’s offensive resilience keeps the spread competitive. Expect a contest that leans lower-scoring, with totals landing just under the posted number.
Handicappers and Service Plays
MVC games often spotlight tempo mismatches and perimeter battles. Our Best Handicappers highlight analysts who specialize in conference efficiency trends, while the Leaderboard tracks who’s delivering consistent returns. For Drake vs Illinois State, premium insights are also available at Buy Picks, helping bettors decide whether the spread or total offers the sharper edge.
