Illinois State Dominates Bradley in NCAAB Showdown
Saturday, January 17, 2026, 2:00 PM ET · CEFCU Arena
Illinois State Redbirds 88, Bradley Braves 62, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
The next free pick, for your email
Team, bet, price and the hash it was sealed under, on this page the moment you send. Lose or win, it stays public.
or by email
Public record of the main pick, losses included: 115 won, 44 lost. See every pick
One free pick a day by email until you unsubscribe, in one click. 21+.
Quick answers
Who won Bradley Braves vs Illinois State Redbirds?
Illinois State Redbirds beat Bradley Braves 88-62 at CEFCU Arena on January 17, 2026.
Who was favored in Bradley Braves vs Illinois State Redbirds?
Illinois State Redbirds were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -250 (about 71% implied). The favorite won.
In a decisive victory, the Illinois State Redbirds defeated the Bradley Braves 88-62 at CEFCU Arena on January 17, 2026. This win marks a significant turnaround for Illinois State, who had been struggling with a three-game losing streak prior to this matchup. The Redbirds improved their home record to 14-6, while Bradley fell to 13-8 on the season.
Illinois State entered the game with a home record of 13-6 and had averaged 78.7 points per game over their last ten outings, while allowing 68.4 points. However, their recent form had been concerning, with a 6-4 record in their last ten games, including losses to Indiana State, UIC, and Valparaiso. In contrast, Bradley had been on a roll, boasting an 8-2 record in their last ten games and scoring an average of 83.3 points, while allowing 74.3 points. The Braves had won their last three games, including a tight victory against Evansville just days before the matchup.
The game showcased the home-court advantage for Illinois State, who had a solid home record of 4-1 in their last five games. Bradley, while having a respectable away record of 2-2, struggled to maintain consistency on the road. Their previous meetings in the 2025 season had seen Illinois State win one and lose one against Bradley, with the Redbirds winning 82-71 in their last encounter.
In terms of injuries, both teams were relatively healthy, which allowed them to field their strongest lineups. The market had set the odds for Illinois State as favorites, with DraftKings listing them at -5.5 on the spread and a moneyline of -250. Bradley was the underdog with a moneyline of +205. The total for the game was set at 147.5, indicating expectations for a high-scoring affair.
The matchup was played under favorable conditions, with both teams ready to showcase their skills in front of a home crowd. Viewers were treated to an offensive display from Illinois State, who took control early and never looked back. Key moments included a series of three-point shots that extended their lead and kept Bradley at bay.
As the game progressed, Illinois State's dominance became apparent, particularly in the second half, where they outscored Bradley significantly. The scoring plays highlighted the Redbirds' ability to capitalize on their opportunities, with players like Ty'Reek Coleman contributing assists that led to crucial three-pointers.
Overall, the game served as a reminder of Illinois State's potential when firing on all cylinders, while Bradley will need to regroup and address their defensive lapses as they move forward in the season.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | ILST -5.5 | 147.5 o -108 / u -112 | Bradley Braves +205 · Illinois State Redbirds -250 |
Leaders
- PointsBoden Skunberg23Illinois State Redbirds
- AssistsMason Klabo3Illinois State Redbirds
- ReboundsChase Walker11Illinois State Redbirds
- PointsDemarion Burch12Bradley Braves
- AssistsJaquan Johnson4Bradley Braves
- ReboundsTimoty van der Knaap7Bradley Braves
Recent form
Illinois State Redbirds
Last 10: 6-4Streak L378.7 scored · 68.4 allowed per game4-1 at home
- L89-94at Indiana State SycamoresJan 15
- L59-63vs UIC FlamesJan 10
- L71-77at Valparaiso BeaconsJan 8
- W73-47vs Evansville Purple AcesJan 1
- W73-56at Drake BulldogsDec 30
- W85-65vs Indiana State SycamoresDec 21
- W75-68at Southern Illinois SalukisDec 19
- L78-83at Utah State AggiesDec 13
- W95-53vs Chicago State CougarsDec 7
- W89-78vs Eastern Kentucky ColonelsDec 4
Bradley Braves
Last 10: 8-2Streak W383.3 scored · 74.3 allowed per game2-2 away
- W94-90at Evansville Purple AcesJan 14
- W75-69vs Northern Iowa PanthersJan 10
- W93-66vs Drake BulldogsJan 8
- L66-86at Murray State RacersJan 4
- L78-88at Belmont BruinsJan 2
- W76-68vs Evansville Purple AcesDec 30
- W73-69vs Southern Illinois SalukisDec 21
- W108-99at Indiana State SycamoresDec 19
- W86-53vs North Central College CardinalsDec 14
- W84-55vs Northern Illinois HuskiesDec 7
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 | Bradley Braves | Illinois State Redbirds |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 20-57 | 34-64 |
| Field goal % | 35 | 53 |
| Three-pointers | 5-14 | 10-23 |
| Three-point % | 36 | 43 |
| Free throws | 17-23 | 10-13 |
| Free throw % | 74 | 77 |
| Rebounds | 31 | 42 |
| Offensive rebounds | 12 | 13 |
| Defensive rebounds | 19 | 29 |
| Assists | 7 | 17 |
| Steals | 3 | 3 |
| Blocks | 2 | 3 |
| Turnovers | 12 | 8 |
| Team turnovers | 1 | 2 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 7 | 22 |
| Fast-break points | 2 | 4 |
| Points in the paint | 24 | 42 |
| Fouls | 16 | 22 |
| Largest lead | 3 | 26 |
| Lead changes | 4 | 4 |
| Time in front | 5 | 89 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half33-48Landon Wolf makes driving layup (Boden Skunberg assists)
- 2nd Half33-49Chase Walker makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half33-50Chase Walker makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half35-50Dietrich Richardson makes 10-foot pullup jump shot
- 2nd Half35-52Boden Skunberg makes layup (Landon Wolf assists)
- 2nd Half37-52Dietrich Richardson makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half37-54Brandon Lieb makes 3-foot dunk (Johnny Kinziger assists)
- 2nd Half40-54Jaquan Johnson makes 25-foot three pointer
- 2nd Half40-56Boden Skunberg makes 11-foot pullup jump shot
- 2nd Half41-56AJ Smith makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half41-58Ty'Reek Coleman makes driving layup
- 2nd Half42-58Dietrich Richardson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half42-61Ty'Reek Coleman makes 23-foot three point jumper (Chase Walker assists)
- 2nd Half44-61Dietrich Richardson makes 15-foot pullup jump shot
- 2nd Half44-63Chase Walker makes layup
- 2nd Half44-65Boden Skunberg makes 9-foot pullup jump shot
- 2nd Half44-68Ty'Reek Coleman makes 25-foot three point jumper (Johnny Kinziger assists)
- 2nd Half46-68Demarion Burch makes driving layup
- 2nd Half47-68Demarion Burch makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half49-68Demarion Burch makes 11-foot pullup jump shot
- 2nd Half51-68Dietrich Richardson makes 16-foot pullup jump shot (AJ Smith assists)
- 2nd Half51-70Chase Walker makes layup
- 2nd Half51-72Chase Walker makes driving layup (Mason Klabo assists)
- 2nd Half52-72AJ Smith makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half53-72AJ Smith makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half53-74Chase Walker makes 7-foot turnaround jump shot
- 2nd Half56-74Demarion Burch makes 25-foot three point jumper (Jaquan Johnson assists)
- 2nd Half56-76Landon Moore makes driving layup
- 2nd Half57-76AJ Smith makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half57-77Boden Skunberg makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half58-77Ahmet Jonovic makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half58-78Chase Walker makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half58-79Chase Walker makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half59-79Matthew Zobrist makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half60-79Matthew Zobrist makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half60-82Mason Klabo makes 24-foot three point jumper (Ty'Reek Coleman assists)
- 2nd Half61-82Jaquan Johnson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half62-82Jaquan Johnson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half62-85Jack Daugherty makes 23-foot three point jumper (Ty'Reek Coleman assists)
- 2nd Half62-88Landon Moore makes 24-foot three point jumper (Ty'Reek Coleman assists)
Win probability
Above the line favours Illinois State Redbirds, below favours Bradley Braves.
Venue
- CEFCU ArenaNormal, IL
- Attendance7549
- OfficialsRandy Heimerman, Gene Grimshaw, Tyler Kumpf
Elsewhere
- Carson Crawford, No. 46 in '27 class, commits to Arizona St.
- Tennessee's Ralph Scott to have knee surgery, out at least 6 months
- Men's NCAA basketball 2026-27 Way-Too-Early Top 25 rankings
- Transfers, recruits and roster moves for key men's NCAA basketball teams
- Michigan 5-star freshman Brandon McCoy Jr. (knee) to miss season
- With $6.5 million left on deal, UCLA fires AD Martin Jarmond