Illinois State Redbirds vs Ohio Bobcats Prediction and Picks - November 6, 2025
Use Code WWWC College hoops action on Thursday evening, and we have an Illinois State vs Ohio prediction locked and loaded for you. The Redbirds come off a season that saw them go 22-14. These teams met last year, and Illinois State won that game at home by a score of 85-75. Can Ohio get revenge for that loss? Read on to see our Illinois State vs Ohio prediction.
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High Expectations For The Redbirds
Illinois State heads into Athens looking to build on the momentum of a strong finish to last season, and they’ll do it with a roster that blends returning experience with some intriguing new faces. The Redbirds have leaned on guard play in recent years, and that won’t change here. Landon Moore and John Kinziger give them a backcourt that can both handle the ball and create offense, while Ty Pence provides length and versatility on the wing. Illinois State’s offense is at its best when it’s patient, working through multiple actions to free up shooters and open driving lanes. Against an Ohio team that likes to push tempo, the Redbirds will want to dictate pace and avoid getting caught in a track meet.
The frontcourt is anchored by Brandon Lieb, a seven-footer who gives Illinois State a rim protector and a steady rebounder. He’ll be tested against Ohio’s physical forwards, but his presence in the paint is a difference-maker for a team that sometimes struggles on the glass. Alongside him, Boden Skunberg brings toughness and the ability to stretch the floor, which could open up space for the guards to operate. Illinois State doesn’t always overwhelm opponents with raw athleticism, but they’re disciplined, and that structure has allowed them to hang around in games where they might not have the talent edge.
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Defensively, the Redbirds will need to be sharp on the perimeter. Ohio has multiple guards who can create off the dribble, and Illinois State’s rotations will be tested. Expect them to mix in some zone looks to slow down penetration and force the Bobcats into contested jumpers. If they can keep Ohio off the offensive glass and limit second-chance points, Illinois State has the tools to make this a grind-it-out kind of game.
Bobcats Fall Short To Red Wolves
Ohio comes into this matchup looking to bounce back after a tough 89-85 loss to Arkansas State in its opener. The Bobcats showed plenty of offensive firepower in that game, with Jackson Paveletzke leading the way as a dynamic scorer and facilitator. Ajay Sheldon chipped in with steady guard play, and Jesse Burris provided a spark on the wing. Scoring 85 points on the road is no small feat, but the Bobcats struggled defensively, allowing Arkansas State to shoot efficiently and control the boards late. That’s the area they’ll need to tighten up against Illinois State.
In the frontcourt, Javan Simmons and Aidan Hadaway give Ohio a physical presence inside. Simmons is a strong rebounder who can finish around the rim, while Hadaway’s versatility allows him to step out and hit mid-range shots. Together, they provide balance and make the Bobcats difficult to defend, as they can play through the post or spread the floor depending on matchups. The opener showed flashes of what this group can do offensively, but also highlighted the importance of defensive consistency.
Defensively, Ohio has the length and athleticism to pressure the ball and disrupt passing lanes, but lapses in rotations hurt them against Arkansas State. The Bobcats will look to turn defense into offense, forcing turnovers that lead to easy buckets, and they’ll need to be sharper in closing out on shooters. If they can control the boards and keep Illinois State from settling into its offensive sets, Ohio has the firepower to bounce back quickly and protect home court.
Illinois State vs Ohio Pick
Illinois State vs Ohio Spread Pick
- Illinois State -1.5 (3 Units)
Illinois State -1.5 looks like the right side because the Redbirds have the kind of disciplined guard play that travels well. With Landon Moore and John Kinziger controlling tempo, Illinois State can slow the game down and force Ohio into half-court sets, which is where the Bobcats struggled in their opener against Arkansas State. Brandon Lieb’s size inside also gives the Redbirds a rim protector and rebounding presence that can neutralize Ohio’s frontcourt, making it harder for the Bobcats to generate second-chance points. That combination of steady guard play and interior defense sets Illinois State up to grind out possessions and keep control late.
Ohio showed plenty of offensive firepower in its 89-85 loss, but the defensive lapses were glaring, and Illinois State is built to exploit that. The Redbirds don’t rely on one scorer—they spread the floor, move the ball, and wait for breakdowns, which could expose Ohio’s rotations again. Illinois State’s ability to stay patient offensively and limit turnovers should give them the edge in a close game, and with their structure and balance, they’re well-positioned to cover the short number on the road.
Illinois State vs Ohio Over/Under Pick
- Over 158.5 (2 Units)
The over 158.5 makes sense here because both Illinois State and Ohio showed they’re comfortable in high-scoring games, with the Bobcats putting up 85 points in their opener despite the loss and the Redbirds built around guards who can push pace and knock down shots. Illinois State’s balanced offense should find ways to score against Ohio’s shaky defense, while the Bobcats’ backcourt led by Jackson Paveletzke and Ajay Sheldon has the firepower to keep pace. With both teams capable of trading baskets and Ohio already proving it can get into shootouts, this matchup sets up well to clear the total.
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