Illinois State Dominates Evansville in Convincing Win
Thursday, January 1, 2026, 3:00 PM ET · CEFCU Arena
Illinois State Redbirds 73, Evansville Purple Aces 47, 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 Evansville Purple Aces vs Illinois State Redbirds?
Illinois State Redbirds beat Evansville Purple Aces 73-47 at CEFCU Arena on January 1, 2026.
Who was favored in Evansville Purple Aces vs Illinois State Redbirds?
Illinois State Redbirds were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -1100 (about 92% implied). The favorite won.
The Illinois State Redbirds showcased their strength in a decisive victory over the Evansville Purple Aces, winning 73-47 at CEFCU Arena. This matchup was particularly noteworthy as it highlighted the stark contrast in the teams' recent performances. Illinois State entered the game with a formidable home record of 12-3 and had been on a hot streak, winning nine of their last ten games, including a three-game winning streak. In contrast, Evansville struggled significantly, holding a record of 4-11 and facing a five-game losing streak leading into this contest.
Illinois State's recent form has been impressive, averaging 83.3 points scored while allowing only 62.7 points over their last ten games. Their last five games saw them maintain an average of 81.2 points scored and 65.0 points allowed, which indicates a strong offensive and defensive balance. Their home record was particularly dominant, standing at 7-0, which provided them with a significant advantage in this matchup.
On the other hand, Evansville's performance has been disappointing, with an overall record of 2-8 in their last ten games. They averaged 67.9 points scored and allowed 76.7 points during that stretch. Their last five games were particularly troubling, as they failed to secure a single win, averaging only 69.6 points scored while allowing 77.4 points. Their away record was also weak, at 1-3, which further compounded their challenges heading into this game.
The two teams had met previously in the same season, splitting their two encounters. Illinois State won the most recent matchup on March 2, 2025, with a score of 62-53, while Evansville had secured a victory earlier in the season on January 9, 2025, winning 69-51.
In terms of injuries, the block did not provide specific details on player availability, but such factors can often play a crucial role in the outcome of college basketball games.
The betting lines from DraftKings indicated that Illinois State was a heavy favorite, with a spread of -12.5 and a moneyline of -1100, while Evansville was priced at +700 on the moneyline. The total for the game was set at 144.5, reflecting expectations of a moderately high-scoring affair.
Conditions at CEFCU Arena were conducive to a strong performance by the home team, and the crowd was likely energized by Illinois State's strong season thus far. As the game unfolded, Illinois State's offensive prowess was evident, with multiple players contributing to the scoreline, while Evansville struggled to keep pace.
The scoring plays in the second half illustrated Illinois State's control over the game, with key contributions from players like Ty Pence and Bryce Quinet, who both made significant shots to extend their lead. The final score of 73-47 not only showcased Illinois State's dominance but also highlighted the ongoing struggles faced by Evansville this season.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | ILST -12.5 | 144.5 o -105 / u -115 | Evansville Purple Aces +700 · Illinois State Redbirds -1100 |
Leaders
- PointsChase Walker22Illinois State Redbirds
- AssistsTy'Reek Coleman4Illinois State Redbirds
- ReboundsChase Walker8Illinois State Redbirds
- PointsBryce Quinet13Evansville Purple Aces
- AssistsBryce Quinet2Evansville Purple Aces
- ReboundsAJ Casey7Evansville Purple Aces
Recent form
Illinois State Redbirds
Last 10: 9-1Streak W383.3 scored · 62.7 allowed per game7-0 at home
- 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
- W72-65vs Furman PaladinsNov 28
- W79-69vs Charlotte 49ersNov 27
- W94-42vs Coastal Carolina ChanticleersNov 23
- W93-48vs Rockford RegentsNov 21
Evansville Purple Aces
Last 10: 2-8Streak L567.9 scored · 76.7 allowed per game1-3 away
- L68-76at Bradley BravesDec 30
- L65-66vs Drake BulldogsDec 21
- L78-83vs Belmont BruinsDec 17
- L58-82at Notre Dame Fighting IrishDec 13
- L79-80at Western Kentucky HilltoppersDec 6
- W64-52vs Ball State CardinalsDec 4
- L59-78vs Charleston CougarsNov 24
- L59-97vs Akron ZipsNov 24
- W73-69at Oregon State BeaversNov 22
- L76-84vs UT Arlington MavericksNov 19
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 | Evansville Purple Aces | Illinois State Redbirds |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 16-51 | 27-58 |
| Field goal % | 31 | 47 |
| Three-pointers | 6-20 | 7-22 |
| Three-point % | 30 | 32 |
| Free throws | 9-13 | 12-19 |
| Free throw % | 69 | 63 |
| Rebounds | 37 | 34 |
| Offensive rebounds | 8 | 5 |
| Defensive rebounds | 29 | 29 |
| Assists | 7 | 12 |
| Steals | 3 | 10 |
| Blocks | 4 | 2 |
| Turnovers | 23 | 9 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 13 | 24 |
| Fast-break points | 2 | 4 |
| Points in the paint | 18 | 34 |
| Fouls | 17 | 10 |
| Largest lead | 5 | 32 |
| Lead changes | 2 | 2 |
| Time in front | 9 | 84 |
How the scoring went
- 1st Half19-22Landon Wolf makes free throw 1 of 2
- 1st Half19-23Landon Wolf makes free throw 2 of 2
- 1st Half19-26Jack Daugherty makes 25-foot three point jumper (Johnny Kinziger assists)
- 1st Half20-26Alex Hemenway makes free throw 1 of 2
- 1st Half21-26Alex Hemenway makes free throw 2 of 2
- 1st Half23-26James Dyson-Merwe makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 1st Half23-29Jack Daugherty makes 26-foot three point jumper (Johnny Kinziger assists)
- 1st Half23-31Chase Walker makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 1st Half23-34Ty'Reek Coleman makes 23-foot three point jumper (Johnny Kinziger assists)
- 1st Half26-34Bryce Quinet makes 26-foot three point jumper (Keishon Porter assists)
- 1st Half26-36Landon Wolf makes layup
- 1st Half26-39Landon Wolf makes 25-foot three point jumper (Ty'Reek Coleman assists)
- 1st Half26-40Chase Walker makes free throw 1 of 2
- 1st Half26-42Chase Walker makes layup (Ty'Reek Coleman assists)
- 1st Half28-42AJ Casey makes layup (Connor Turnbull assists)
- 1st Half28-44Chase Walker makes layup (Ty Pence assists)
- 1st Half28-46Johnny Kinziger makes 12-foot jumper (Ty'Reek Coleman assists)
- 2nd Half29-46Joshua Hughes makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half30-46Alex Hemenway makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half31-46Alex Hemenway makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half33-46Joshua Hughes makes layup
- 2nd Half33-48Ty'Reek Coleman makes layup
- 2nd Half33-50Ty'Reek Coleman makes 13-foot floating jump shot
- 2nd Half33-52Brandon Lieb makes layup (Ty'Reek Coleman assists)
- 2nd Half35-52Bryce Quinet makes layup
- 2nd Half35-54Johnny Kinziger makes 11-foot jumper (Brandon Lieb assists)
- 2nd Half35-56Ty'Reek Coleman makes layup
- 2nd Half35-58Chase Walker makes layup
- 2nd Half35-59Ty'Reek Coleman makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half35-61Chase Walker makes layup
- 2nd Half35-64Landon Wolf makes 23-foot three point jumper (Jack Daugherty assists)
- 2nd Half35-67Landon Moore makes 26-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half37-67Connor Turnbull makes layup
- 2nd Half39-67Bryce Quinet makes layup
- 2nd Half39-69Ty Pence makes 11-foot jumper
- 2nd Half39-71Chase Walker makes 16-foot jumper (Ty Pence assists)
- 2nd Half42-71Bryce Quinet makes 23-foot three point jumper (James Dyson-Merwe assists)
- 2nd Half44-71Keishon Porter makes layup
- 2nd Half47-71Trent Hundley makes 27-foot three point jumper (Bryce Quinet assists)
- 2nd Half47-73Ty Blake makes layup
Win probability
Above the line favours Illinois State Redbirds, below favours Evansville Purple Aces.
Venue
- CEFCU ArenaNormal, IL
- Attendance5216
- OfficialsRoger Ayers, Antinio Petty, Eric Curry
Elsewhere
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