Illinois State Redbirds vs Wake Forest Demon Deacons Picks and Predictions for Sunday, March 22, 2026
Use Code WWWC Illinois State travels to Wake Forest for an NIT second-round matchup at LJVM Coliseum in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, on Sunday at 4:30 PM ET on ESPN2. Illinois State is 21-12 after a 79-58 win over Kent State in the first round, while Wake Forest is 18-16 following an 82-72 win over Navy in its first round game. Wake Forest is listed as a 7.5-point favorite with the total at 149.5. Build your bankroll with our free college basketball picks.
Illinois State’s Balance Showed Up in the Opening Round
Illinois State averages 75.2 points per game and allows 68.1, with a balanced attack rather than one primary scorer. Chase Walker leads the team in scoring, averaging 13.7 points per game, and also leads the Redbirds in rebounding at 5.3. Johnny Kinziger runs the offense, averaging 3.3 assists per game and leading the team in steals at 1.3, while Ty’Reek Coleman averages 10.3 points and Boden Skunberg contributes 9.8.
The Kent State win showed how effective Illinois State can be when multiple players contribute. Landon Wolf led the way with 24 points and seven rebounds, including a strong first half that helped build a 20-point lead. Walker added 19 points on strong shooting, and Kinziger chipped in 11 as the Redbirds controlled the game from start to finish.
Illinois State’s approach in this matchup will be similar. The Redbirds shoot 47% from the field and move the ball well, averaging 13.7 assists. They do not rely on isolation scoring, which helps against teams that pressure the ball. Defensively, allowing 68.1 points per game gives a chance against more talented teams. The key will be handling Wake Forest’s scoring bursts and avoiding long scoring droughts.
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Key Injuries - Illinois State Redbirds
Illinois State does not have any players listed on its injury report.
Wake Forest has the Scoring Edge
Wake Forest averages 78.9 points per game and allows 76.9, and the offense is built around Juke Harris, who leads the team with an average of 21.5 points per game and also leads in rebounds at 6.5. He gives Wake Forest a high scorer who also impacts on the boards at both ends. Myles Colvin adds an average of 11.6 points, and Tre’Von Spillers contributes 10.9 points while leading the team in blocks at 1.5.
In the win over Navy, Harris finished with 26 points, six rebounds, and five assists, setting the tone early and maintaining control late. Omaha Biliew added 15 points, and Spillers scored 14 on solid shooting as Wake Forest created a lead with a second-half run.
Wake Forest’s strength in this matchup is its ability to generate offense quickly. The Demon Deacons average 7.7 steals per game, which can create transition chances against a structured offense like Illinois State’s. However, allowing 76.9 points per game remains a concern, especially against a team that shares the ball well and can score from multiple spots.
Key Injuries - Wake Forest Demon Deacons
- Marqus Marion — Out
Illinois State Redbirds vs Wake Forest Demon Deacons Pick - Spread
- Wake Forest -7.5
Illinois State has the balance to stay competitive, but Wake Forest has the best scorer on the floor in Harris and more shot creation when possessions break down. The Redbirds were careful with the ball in the opening round, but this matchup requires them to handle more pressure and a higher-scoring opponent. Wake Forest’s ability to generate offense in bursts, especially at home, will create a double-digit lead. The Demon Deacons will be tough to stop in the second half and cover the number.
Illinois State Redbirds vs Wake Forest Demon Deacons - Over/Under Pick
- Over 149.5
Both teams showed in the first round that they can score when the game opens up. Wake Forest plays at a faster pace and forces turnovers that lead to easy points, while Illinois State has enough depth to keep up offensively. Even if Illinois State tries to control the tempo, Wake Forest’s style can push this game higher. With both teams capable of reaching the mid-to-high 70s, the play is over 149.5
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