Illinois State Triumphs Over Belmont in Close Contest
Sunday, March 1, 2026, 5:00 PM ET · CEFCU Arena
Illinois State Redbirds 81, Belmont Bruins 74, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Belmont Bruins vs Illinois State Redbirds?
Illinois State Redbirds beat Belmont Bruins 81-74 at CEFCU Arena on March 1, 2026.
Who was favored in Belmont Bruins vs Illinois State Redbirds?
Belmont Bruins were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -115 (about 53% implied). The underdog won.
In a thrilling matchup at CEFCU Arena, the Illinois State Redbirds defeated the Belmont Bruins with a final score of 81-74. This victory marked a significant achievement for Illinois State, especially considering their previous struggles against Belmont, having lost three of their last four encounters. The Redbirds improved their overall record to 21-11, while the Bruins fell to 26-6.
Illinois State's recent form has been a mix of ups and downs, with a record of 5-5 over their last ten games. They entered this contest on a one-game winning streak, having edged out the Northern Iowa Panthers 71-69 in their last outing. Throughout this stretch, Illinois State averaged 70.6 points per game while allowing 71.4, indicating a competitive but inconsistent performance. Their home record stood at 3-1 in the last ten games, showcasing their ability to perform well on their court.
Belmont, on the other hand, came into the game with a strong record of 9-1 in their last ten games, riding a four-game winning streak. They had been scoring impressively, averaging 87.9 points per game while allowing 76.9, underscoring their offensive prowess. The Bruins boasted a perfect home record during this stretch, but their away performance had been slightly less dominant at 3-1.
The two teams had met earlier in the season on January 24, 2026, where Belmont triumphed 80-69. This recent history added an intriguing layer to the matchup, as Illinois State sought to avenge that earlier defeat. Overall, in their last four meetings, the Redbirds had managed just one win against the Bruins.
In terms of injuries, the block did not provide specific details on player availability, but both teams were expected to field their key players for this crucial game. The atmosphere at CEFCU Arena was charged, with fans eager to see if Illinois State could capitalize on their home advantage.
The betting odds from DraftKings indicated a close contest, with Belmont favored by 1.5 points. The total points line was set at 150.5, reflecting expectations for a high-scoring game given both teams' offensive capabilities.
As the game unfolded, Illinois State showcased their resilience and determination. Key moments included Johnny Kinziger's driving layup and subsequent free throws that helped seal the victory in the closing moments. The Redbirds executed crucial plays down the stretch, maintaining their composure against a formidable opponent.
This victory not only boosts Illinois State's confidence but also positions them favorably as they look ahead in the season. The Redbirds' ability to perform under pressure in front of their home crowd will be a significant factor as they prepare for their next challenges.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | BEL -1.5 | 150.5 o -112 / u -108 | Belmont Bruins -115 · Illinois State Redbirds -105 |
Leaders
- PointsJohnny Kinziger16Illinois State Redbirds
- AssistsJohnny Kinziger6Illinois State Redbirds
- ReboundsLandon Wolf5Illinois State Redbirds
- PointsTyler Lundblade17Belmont Bruins
- AssistsJack Smiley4Belmont Bruins
- ReboundsJabez Jenkins6Belmont Bruins
Recent form
Illinois State Redbirds
Last 10: 5-5Streak W170.6 scored · 71.4 allowed per game3-1 at home
- W71-69at Northern Iowa PanthersFeb 26
- L60-74at Bradley BravesFeb 22
- W78-61vs Murray State RacersFeb 19
- L56-83at UIC FlamesFeb 15
- W86-64vs Valparaiso BeaconsFeb 13
- L80-88at Evansville Purple AcesFeb 10
- W86-76vs Drake BulldogsFeb 7
- L50-54vs Southern Illinois SalukisFeb 4
- W70-65at Murray State RacersJan 29
- L69-80at Belmont BruinsJan 24
Belmont Bruins
Last 10: 9-1Streak W487.9 scored · 76.9 allowed per game3-1 away
- W98-64vs Evansville Purple AcesFeb 26
- W87-70vs Indiana State SycamoresFeb 22
- W87-70at Murray State RacersFeb 15
- W91-86vs Northern Iowa PanthersFeb 13
- L84-95at Bradley BravesFeb 10
- W68-62at UIC FlamesFeb 7
- W103-90vs Drake BulldogsFeb 4
- W103-86vs Murray State RacersFeb 1
- W78-77at Valparaiso BeaconsJan 29
- W80-69vs Illinois State RedbirdsJan 24
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Belmont | 26-6 | - | 16-4 |
| Bradley | 21-13 | 3 | 13-7 |
| Illinois State | 23-13 | 4 | 12-8 |
| Murray State | 20-13 | 4 | 12-8 |
| UIC | 19-16 | 4 | 12-8 |
| Northern Iowa | 23-13 | 5 | 11-9 |
| Valparaiso | 18-15 | 5 | 11-9 |
| Southern Illinois | 16-16 | 6 | 10-10 |
| Drake | 14-20 | 10 | 6-14 |
| Indiana State | 11-21 | 12 | 4-16 |
| Evansville | 7-25 | 13 | 3-17 |
Box score
| Stat | Belmont Bruins | Illinois State Redbirds |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 27-54 | 25-53 |
| Field goal % | 50 | 47 |
| Three-pointers | 11-26 | 12-27 |
| Three-point % | 42 | 44 |
| Free throws | 9-16 | 19-23 |
| Free throw % | 56 | 83 |
| Rebounds | 28 | 31 |
| Offensive rebounds | 10 | 10 |
| Defensive rebounds | 18 | 21 |
| Assists | 17 | 16 |
| Steals | 5 | 4 |
| Blocks | 3 | 3 |
| Turnovers | 9 | 9 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 1 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 10 | 10 |
| Fast-break points | 10 | 4 |
| Points in the paint | 30 | 22 |
| Fouls | 21 | 18 |
| Largest lead | 11 | 7 |
| Lead changes | 6 | 6 |
| Time in front | 77 | 16 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half47-44Boden Skunberg makes 25-foot three point jumper (Johnny Kinziger assists)
- 2nd Half48-44Jabez Jenkins makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half49-44Jabez Jenkins makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half52-44Jack Smiley makes 27-foot three pointer
- 2nd Half52-47Landon Moore makes 26-foot three point jumper (Johnny Kinziger assists)
- 2nd Half55-47Eoin Dillon makes 22-foot three point jumper (Jabez Jenkins assists)
- 2nd Half55-49Ty'Reek Coleman makes layup
- 2nd Half57-49Tyler Lundblade makes 12-foot floating jump shot
- 2nd Half57-51Ty Pence makes driving layup
- 2nd Half58-51Sam Orme makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half59-51Sam Orme makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half59-52Boden Skunberg makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half61-52Jabez Jenkins makes 3-foot dunk (Eoin Dillon assists)
- 2nd Half61-55Boden Skunberg makes 27-foot three point step back jumpshot (Ty'Reek Coleman assists)
- 2nd Half61-56Boden Skunberg makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half61-57Boden Skunberg makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half63-57Brigham Rogers makes 2-foot dunk (Jack Smiley assists)
- 2nd Half63-58Brandon Lieb makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half63-59Brandon Lieb makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half65-59Brigham Rogers makes layup (Jack Smiley assists)
- 2nd Half65-62Boden Skunberg makes 27-foot three point jumper (Brandon Lieb assists)
- 2nd Half65-63Brandon Lieb makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half65-64Brandon Lieb makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half65-65Ty'Reek Coleman makes free throw 2 of 3
- 2nd Half65-66Ty'Reek Coleman makes free throw 3 of 3
- 2nd Half67-66Eoin Dillon makes 6-foot hook shot
- 2nd Half67-67Chase Walker makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half67-69Johnny Kinziger makes layup (Chase Walker assists)
- 2nd Half67-71Chase Walker makes layup (Johnny Kinziger assists)
- 2nd Half70-71Tyler Lundblade makes 26-foot three point jumper (Brigham Rogers assists)
- 2nd Half70-73Chase Walker makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half71-73Drew Scharnowski makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half71-75Johnny Kinziger makes driving layup
- 2nd Half73-75Drew Scharnowski makes 1-foot dunk (Sam Orme assists)
- 2nd Half73-77Ty Pence makes 8-foot floating jump shot
- 2nd Half73-78Johnny Kinziger makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half73-79Johnny Kinziger makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half74-79Eoin Dillon makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half74-80Johnny Kinziger makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half74-81Johnny Kinziger makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Illinois State Redbirds, below favours Belmont Bruins.
Venue
- CEFCU ArenaNormal, IL
- Attendance6149
- OfficialsRandy McCall, Marques Pettigrew, Tyler Kumpf
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