Illinois State Defeats Dayton in Close Contest
Wednesday, March 25, 2026, 7:00 PM ET · UD Arena
Illinois State Redbirds 61, Dayton Flyers 55, 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 Dayton Flyers?
Illinois State Redbirds beat Dayton Flyers 61-55 at UD Arena on March 25, 2026.
Who was favored in Illinois State Redbirds vs Dayton Flyers?
Dayton Flyers were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -340 (about 77% implied). The underdog won.
In a closely contested matchup, the Illinois State Redbirds emerged victorious against the Dayton Flyers with a final score of 61-55 at the UD Arena. This game was notable as it featured two teams with comparable records, with Dayton holding a home record of 25-12 and Illinois State at 23-12 overall. The stakes were high, and the atmosphere was charged as both teams aimed to secure a win in this pivotal encounter.
Dayton entered the game with a recent form of 8-2 over their last ten games, although they were on a one-game losing streak following a defeat against VCU Rams, where they lost 70-62. Their scoring average during this stretch was 70.2 points per game, while they allowed an average of 65.0 points. At home, Dayton had a record of 4-1 in their last five games, showcasing their strength at UD Arena. However, their recent loss may have affected their confidence heading into this matchup.
On the other hand, Illinois State's recent performance was more mixed, with a record of 5-5 in their last ten games and also on a one-game losing streak after falling to the Northern Iowa Panthers 74-52. The Redbirds averaged 70.0 points scored per game during this period but allowed a higher average of 71.7 points. Their away record was particularly concerning, standing at 1-3 in their last five games, which added to the pressure as they faced Dayton on the road.
The game was characterized by a series of free throws in the second half, which played a crucial role in the final outcome. Chase Walker was instrumental for Illinois State, making a series of free throws that helped extend their lead in the closing moments. The scoring plays highlighted the tension, with both teams trading baskets and free throws as the clock wound down. Dayton's Bryce Heard also contributed to the scoring with free throws, but it was not enough to overcome Illinois State's lead.
The betting market had set the spread at Dayton -7.5, indicating expectations for a Dayton victory by a comfortable margin. The total was set at 140.5, reflecting the anticipated scoring output for both teams. DraftKings offered odds of -340.0 for a Dayton money line win and 270.0 for Illinois State, further emphasizing the perceived advantage for the home team.
Conditions at UD Arena were typical for a late March evening, with fans creating a lively atmosphere. The energy in the venue was palpable, as both teams fought hard for every point. Viewers were treated to a display of competitive basketball, with defensive plays and strategic fouls becoming pivotal as the game progressed.
In terms of injuries, the block did not provide specific details, but both teams likely faced the usual challenges that come with late-season play. The absence of key players can often change the dynamics of a game, but in this instance, both teams appeared to field their best available lineups.
Overall, the matchup between Dayton and Illinois State was a testament to the competitive nature of college basketball, with each team showcasing their strengths and weaknesses. Illinois State's ability to capitalize on free throw opportunities and maintain composure in the final moments proved decisive, allowing them to secure a hard-fought victory on the road.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | DAY -7.5 | 140.5 o -118 / u -102 | Illinois State Redbirds +270 · Dayton Flyers -340 |
Leaders
- PointsBryce Heard12Dayton Flyers
- AssistsAmaël L'Etang2Dayton Flyers
- ReboundsJordan Derkack6Dayton Flyers
- PointsJohnny Kinziger16Illinois State Redbirds
- AssistsBoden Skunberg4Illinois State Redbirds
- ReboundsChase Walker10Illinois State Redbirds
Recent form
Dayton Flyers
Last 10: 8-2Streak L170.2 scored · 65 allowed per game4-1 at home
- L62-70at VCU RamsMar 15
- W70-69at Saint Louis BillikensMar 14
- W68-63vs St. Bonaventure BonniesMar 13
- L62-68vs VCU RamsMar 7
- W65-60at Richmond SpidersMar 4
- W68-66at George Washington RevolutionariesFeb 28
- W77-62vs Saint Louis BillikensFeb 25
- W78-66vs Duquesne DukesFeb 21
- W82-67at George Mason PatriotsFeb 19
- W70-59vs Davidson WildcatsFeb 15
Illinois State Redbirds
Last 10: 5-5Streak L170 scored · 71.7 allowed per game1-3 away
- L52-74vs Northern Iowa PanthersMar 7
- W81-74vs Belmont BruinsMar 1
- 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
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 |
| Saint Louis | 29-6 | - | 15-3 |
| VCU | 28-8 | - | 15-3 |
| Saint Joseph's | 24-12 | 2 | 13-5 |
| Dayton | 25-12 | 3 | 12-6 |
| George Mason | 23-10 | 4 | 11-7 |
| Davidson | 20-14 | 5 | 10-8 |
| Duquesne | 18-15 | 6 | 9-9 |
| George Washington | 19-16 | 7 | 8-10 |
| Fordham | 17-15 | 7 | 8-10 |
| Rhode Island | 16-16 | 8 | 7-11 |
| Richmond | 15-17 | 10 | 5-13 |
| La Salle | 9-23 | 10 | 5-13 |
| St. Bonaventure | 17-17 | 11 | 4-14 |
| Loyola Chicago | 9-24 | 11 | 4-14 |
Box score
| Stat | Illinois State Redbirds | Dayton Flyers |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 22-40 | 19-63 |
| Field goal % | 55 | 30 |
| Three-pointers | 6-16 | 3-25 |
| Three-point % | 38 | 12 |
| Free throws | 11-18 | 14-19 |
| Free throw % | 61 | 74 |
| Rebounds | 36 | 35 |
| Offensive rebounds | 2 | 13 |
| Defensive rebounds | 34 | 22 |
| Assists | 12 | 9 |
| Steals | 2 | 8 |
| Blocks | 3 | 3 |
| Turnovers | 15 | 5 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 1 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 5 | 17 |
| Fast-break points | 2 | 6 |
| Points in the paint | 32 | 32 |
| Fouls | 15 | 19 |
| Largest lead | 19 | 0 |
| Lead changes | 0 | 0 |
| Time in front | 96 | 0 |
How the scoring went
- 1st Half33-18Damon Friery makes free throw 2 of 2
- 1st Half33-20Keonte Jones makes 0-foot dunk
- 1st Half33-23Amaël L'Etang makes 25-foot three point jumper (Damon Friery assists)
- 2nd Half33-25De'Shayne Montgomery makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half36-25Johnny Kinziger makes 25-foot three point jumper (Boden Skunberg assists)
- 2nd Half36-27Keonte Jones makes layup
- 2nd Half38-27Ty Pence makes layup (Johnny Kinziger assists)
- 2nd Half38-29Keonte Jones makes layup (Amaël L'Etang assists)
- 2nd Half40-29Boden Skunberg makes 5-foot jumper
- 2nd Half40-30Jordan Derkack makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half43-30Landon Wolf makes 23-foot three point jumper (Johnny Kinziger assists)
- 2nd Half45-30Boden Skunberg makes 13-foot jumper
- 2nd Half47-30Ty Pence makes layup (Johnny Kinziger assists)
- 2nd Half49-30Ty Pence makes 7-foot jumper
- 2nd Half49-31Bryce Heard makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half49-32Bryce Heard makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half49-34Amaël L'Etang makes 0-foot dunk
- 2nd Half51-34Chase Walker makes layup (Ty Pence assists)
- 2nd Half53-34Ty Pence makes 7-foot jumper
- 2nd Half53-35Keonte Jones makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half53-37Damon Friery makes 10-foot jumper (Jacob Conner assists)
- 2nd Half53-40Bryce Heard makes 25-foot three point jumper (Malcolm Thomas assists)
- 2nd Half53-41Malcolm Thomas makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half53-42Bryce Heard makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half53-43Bryce Heard makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half53-45Jordan Derkack makes layup
- 2nd Half53-48Amaël L'Etang makes 26-foot three point jumper (Jordan Derkack assists)
- 2nd Half55-48Ty'Reek Coleman makes 1-foot dunk (Chase Walker assists)
- 2nd Half55-50Jordan Derkack makes layup
- 2nd Half56-50Johnny Kinziger makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half57-50Johnny Kinziger makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half57-51Jordan Derkack makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half57-52Jordan Derkack makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half58-52Chase Walker makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half59-52Chase Walker makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half60-52Chase Walker makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half61-52Chase Walker makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half61-53Bryce Heard makes free throw 1 of 3
- 2nd Half61-54Bryce Heard makes free throw 2 of 3
- 2nd Half61-55Bryce Heard makes free throw 3 of 3
Win probability
Above the line favours Dayton Flyers, below favours Illinois State Redbirds.
Venue
- UD ArenaDayton, OH
- Attendance10444
- OfficialsTim Smith, Kellen Miliner, Michael Kitts
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