Belmont Bruins Defeat Illinois State Redbirds 80-69
Saturday, January 24, 2026, 1:00 PM ET · Curb Event Center Arena
Belmont Bruins 80, Illinois State Redbirds 69, 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 Illinois State Redbirds vs Belmont Bruins?
Belmont Bruins beat Illinois State Redbirds 80-69 at Curb Event Center Arena on January 24, 2026.
Who was favored in Illinois State Redbirds vs Belmont Bruins?
Belmont Bruins were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -245 (about 71% implied). The favorite won.
In an exciting NCAAB matchup, the Belmont Bruins secured a solid victory over the Illinois State Redbirds with a final score of 80-69 at the Curb Event Center Arena. This win extends Belmont's impressive home record to 19-3 and highlights their strong performance in recent games, as they have now won five consecutive contests. The Bruins averaged 79.6 points per game over their last ten outings, showcasing their offensive prowess.
Belmont's recent form has been particularly noteworthy, with an 8-2 record in their last ten games. During this stretch, they have averaged 79.6 points scored while allowing 73.0 points per game. Their last five games have seen them maintain a record of 4-1, with an average of 74.8 points scored and 70.2 points allowed. The Bruins have been especially effective at home, where they hold a 3-1 record in their last four games.
On the other hand, the Illinois State Redbirds have also been in decent form, boasting a 6-4 record in their last ten games. They have averaged 75.0 points scored and allowed 66.9 points during this period. The Redbirds have recently won their last two games, but their overall away record stands at 2-3 in their last five outings, indicating some struggles on the road.
In terms of previous meetings, Belmont has a slight edge over Illinois State, holding a 2-1 record in their last three encounters. Their most recent matchup prior to this game occurred on March 7, 2025, where Belmont triumphed with a score of 76-63. The Bruins also won a high-scoring affair earlier in the season, edging out the Redbirds 99-97 in December 2024.
Injuries were not a significant factor in this matchup, as both teams fielded their key players. However, the absence of any major injuries can often influence the dynamics of a game, particularly in high-stakes situations.
The betting market reflected Belmont's strong home advantage, with DraftKings listing the Bruins as 5.5-point favorites. The total points line was set at 150.5, indicating expectations for a moderately high-scoring game. Belmont's money line was priced at -245, while Illinois State's was set at +200, further emphasizing the Bruins' favored status.
The game conditions were conducive to a competitive atmosphere, with fans filling the Curb Event Center Arena to support the Bruins. The energy in the arena likely played a role in boosting Belmont's performance, especially as they aimed to extend their winning streak.
As the game unfolded, viewers were treated to a display of skill and strategy. Key moments included Ty'Reek Coleman making crucial free throws in the second half, and Jabez Jenkins contributing significantly with a layup and a free throw that helped solidify Belmont's lead. The Bruins' ability to execute under pressure was evident as they maintained control of the game in the closing moments.
Overall, Belmont's victory over Illinois State not only highlights their current form but also sets the stage for their upcoming challenges as they aim to continue their winning ways in the NCAAB season.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | BEL -5.5 | 150.5 o -110 / u -110 | Illinois State Redbirds +200 · Belmont Bruins -245 |
Leaders
- PointsEoin Dillon16Belmont Bruins
- AssistsIsaiah West8Belmont Bruins
- ReboundsJabez Jenkins5Belmont Bruins
- PointsJohnny Kinziger13Illinois State Redbirds
- AssistsJohnny Kinziger5Illinois State Redbirds
- ReboundsChase Walker8Illinois State Redbirds
Recent form
Belmont Bruins
Last 10: 8-2Streak W479.6 scored · 73 allowed per game3-1 at home
- W73-68at Southern Illinois SalukisJan 18
- W78-74vs Valparaiso BeaconsJan 14
- W78-76at Drake BulldogsJan 10
- W78-65at Northern Iowa PanthersJan 8
- L67-68vs Southern Illinois SalukisJan 4
- W88-78vs Bradley BravesJan 2
- L80-81at Indiana State SycamoresDec 30
- W84-58at UC Irvine AnteatersDec 20
- W83-78at Evansville Purple AcesDec 17
- W87-84vs UIC FlamesDec 13
Illinois State Redbirds
Last 10: 6-4Streak W275 scored · 66.9 allowed per game2-3 away
- W59-54vs Northern Iowa PanthersJan 22
- W88-62vs Bradley BravesJan 17
- 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
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 | Illinois State Redbirds | Belmont Bruins |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 22-58 | 29-50 |
| Field goal % | 38 | 58 |
| Three-pointers | 8-28 | 9-16 |
| Three-point % | 29 | 56 |
| Free throws | 17-20 | 13-21 |
| Free throw % | 85 | 62 |
| Rebounds | 36 | 27 |
| Offensive rebounds | 13 | 3 |
| Defensive rebounds | 23 | 24 |
| Assists | 13 | 19 |
| Steals | 9 | 7 |
| Blocks | 3 | 2 |
| Turnovers | 14 | 14 |
| Team turnovers | 1 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 16 | 19 |
| Fast-break points | 5 | 6 |
| Points in the paint | 24 | 36 |
| Fouls | 18 | 16 |
| Largest lead | 4 | 14 |
| Lead changes | 3 | 3 |
| Time in front | 11 | 79 |
How the scoring went
- 1st Half34-44Ty Pence makes free throw 1 of 2
- 1st Half36-44Brandon Lieb makes layup
- 2nd Half38-44Ty Pence makes 8-foot jumper
- 2nd Half40-44Ty Pence makes layup
- 2nd Half41-44Ty Pence makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half42-44Boden Skunberg makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half43-44Boden Skunberg makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half43-47Eoin Dillon makes 26-foot three point jumper (Drew Scharnowski assists)
- 2nd Half46-47Ty'Reek Coleman makes 26-foot three point jumper (Ty Pence assists)
- 2nd Half48-47Ty Pence makes 15-foot jumper (Ty'Reek Coleman assists)
- 2nd Half48-48Jack Smiley makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half51-48Johnny Kinziger makes 25-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half51-50Brigham Rogers makes 9-foot jumper (Isaiah West assists)
- 2nd Half53-50Ty Pence makes layup
- 2nd Half53-52Eoin Dillon makes layup (Isaiah West assists)
- 2nd Half56-52Johnny Kinziger makes 25-foot three point jumper (Ty'Reek Coleman assists)
- 2nd Half56-54Brigham Rogers makes layup (Jack Smiley assists)
- 2nd Half56-56Jack Smiley makes layup
- 2nd Half58-56Chase Walker makes layup (Johnny Kinziger assists)
- 2nd Half58-58Drew Scharnowski makes 5-foot dunk (Tyler Lundblade assists)
- 2nd Half58-60Sam Orme makes layup (Isaiah West assists)
- 2nd Half58-63Eoin Dillon makes 25-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half58-66Eoin Dillon makes 24-foot three point jumper (Jack Smiley assists)
- 2nd Half60-66Boden Skunberg makes 8-foot jumper
- 2nd Half61-66Ty'Reek Coleman makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half61-67Brigham Rogers makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half61-68Brigham Rogers makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half61-70Jabez Jenkins makes layup
- 2nd Half61-73Jack Smiley makes 25-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half61-75Sam Orme makes 3-foot dunk
- 2nd Half63-75Chase Walker makes layup (Ty'Reek Coleman assists)
- 2nd Half64-75Chase Walker makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half65-75Ty'Reek Coleman makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half66-75Ty'Reek Coleman makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half67-75Chase Walker makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half67-77Isaiah West makes 6-foot dunk (Eoin Dillon assists)
- 2nd Half67-79Jabez Jenkins makes layup (Eoin Dillon assists)
- 2nd Half67-80Jabez Jenkins makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half68-80Landon Wolf makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half69-80Landon Wolf makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Belmont Bruins, below favours Illinois State Redbirds.
Venue
- Curb Event Center ArenaNashville, TN
- Attendance764
- OfficialsBrad Gaston, Bryan Washer, Larry Hamilton
Elsewhere
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- 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