Illinois State Dominates Drake in NCAAB Showdown
Monday, December 29, 2025, 9:00 PM ET · Knapp Center
Illinois State Redbirds 73, Drake Bulldogs 56, 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 Illinois State Redbirds vs Drake Bulldogs?
Illinois State Redbirds beat Drake Bulldogs 73-56 at Knapp Center on December 29, 2025.
Who was favored in Illinois State Redbirds vs Drake Bulldogs?
Illinois State Redbirds were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -180 (about 64% implied). The favorite won.
In a decisive matchup at the Knapp Center, the Illinois State Redbirds defeated the Drake Bulldogs with a final score of 73-56. This victory underscores Illinois State's strong season, improving their record to 12-3, while Drake falls to 7-8. The Redbirds have demonstrated impressive form recently, boasting a record of 9-1 in their last ten games and currently riding a two-game winning streak. They have averaged 84.2 points per game during this stretch, while allowing 65.1 points.
In contrast, Drake's recent performance has been more inconsistent, with a record of 5-5 over their last ten games. Their scoring average during this period is 78.3 points, but they have allowed an average of 69.6 points per game. The Bulldogs have struggled at home with a record of 3-4, while Illinois State has excelled on the road, securing a 2-1 record away from home.
The two teams have faced each other twice this season, with Illinois State winning both encounters. Their first meeting on January 16, 2025, ended with a score of 66-62 in favor of Illinois State, and they followed that up with an 84-77 victory on February 13, 2025. This season's matchups highlight Illinois State's ability to perform under pressure against Drake.
In terms of player contributions, the Redbirds showcased their depth and shooting prowess, particularly in the second half. Landon Wolf made a significant impact with a 25-foot three-point jumper, while Andrew Alia followed suit with a 23-foot three-pointer, extending Illinois State's lead. Boden Skunberg also contributed with a step-back jumper, further solidifying their dominance in the latter stages of the game.
The betting market reflected Illinois State's strong performance leading up to this game, with DraftKings listing them as 4.5-point favorites. The total points for the game was set at 145.5, indicating expectations for a high-scoring affair. The odds for Illinois State's money line were -180, while Drake's was +150, suggesting a significant belief in Illinois State's chances of victory.
Conditions at the Knapp Center were typical for a winter evening, and the atmosphere was electric as fans gathered to support their teams. However, the home crowd could not propel Drake to victory as Illinois State's offensive efficiency and defensive tenacity proved too much.
As the game progressed, viewers were treated to a showcase of Illinois State's offensive strategy, characterized by quick ball movement and effective perimeter shooting. The Redbirds' ability to capitalize on open looks from beyond the arc was a critical factor in their victory. Additionally, their defensive efforts limited Drake's scoring opportunities, particularly in the second half, where they maintained control of the game.
Overall, this matchup highlighted the contrasting trajectories of both teams this season, with Illinois State continuing to assert themselves as a formidable force in the NCAAB landscape.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | ILST -4.5 | 145.5 o -112 / u -108 | Illinois State Redbirds -180 · Drake Bulldogs +150 |
Leaders
- PointsOkku Federiko11Drake Bulldogs
- AssistsOwen Larson3Drake Bulldogs
- ReboundsAndrew Alia4Drake Bulldogs
- PointsChase Walker17Illinois State Redbirds
- AssistsChase Walker3Illinois State Redbirds
- ReboundsJohnny Kinziger6Illinois State Redbirds
Recent form
Drake Bulldogs
Last 10: 5-5Streak W178.3 scored · 69.6 allowed per game3-4 at home
- W66-65at Evansville Purple AcesDec 21
- L72-81at Murray State RacersDec 19
- L94-99vs North Dakota State BisonDec 13
- L69-74vs UAB BlazersDec 6
- W108-57vs Western Illinois LeathernecksDec 3
- W84-74vs Georgia Tech Yellow JacketsNov 29
- L62-71vs LSU TigersNov 29
- W98-52vs Buena Vista BeaversNov 22
- W71-62at Charleston CougarsNov 18
- L59-61vs SIU Edwardsville CougarsNov 15
Illinois State Redbirds
Last 10: 9-1Streak W284.2 scored · 65.1 allowed per game2-1 away
- 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
- W82-80at Long Beach State BeachNov 17
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 | Drake Bulldogs |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 26-41 | 19-56 |
| Field goal % | 63 | 34 |
| Three-pointers | 13-23 | 7-26 |
| Three-point % | 57 | 27 |
| Free throws | 8-12 | 11-18 |
| Free throw % | 67 | 61 |
| Rebounds | 37 | 20 |
| Offensive rebounds | 4 | 7 |
| Defensive rebounds | 33 | 13 |
| Assists | 15 | 10 |
| Steals | 4 | 12 |
| Blocks | 1 | 0 |
| Turnovers | 23 | 9 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 1 |
| Technical fouls | 1 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 1 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 6 | 26 |
| Fast-break points | 1 | 7 |
| Points in the paint | 26 | 20 |
| Fouls | 17 | 14 |
| Largest lead | 20 | 4 |
| Lead changes | 7 | 7 |
| Time in front | 79 | 13 |
How the scoring went
- 1st Half25-23Jalen Quinn makes layup (Okku Federiko assists)
- 1st Half28-23Boden Skunberg makes 23-foot three point jumper (Ty Pence assists)
- 1st Half28-25Eli Shetlar makes 11-foot floating jump shot
- 1st Half30-25Chase Walker makes layup (Boden Skunberg assists)
- 1st Half30-27Jalen Quinn makes driving layup
- 1st Half31-27Johnny Kinziger makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half33-27Boden Skunberg makes layup (Ty Pence assists)
- 2nd Half33-30Andrew Alia makes 27-foot three point jumper (Owen Larson assists)
- 2nd Half36-30Johnny Kinziger makes 24-foot three point jumper (Chase Walker assists)
- 2nd Half38-30Chase Walker makes layup
- 2nd Half38-33Wilguens Jr. Exacte makes 26-foot three point jumper (Jalen Quinn assists)
- 2nd Half39-33Chase Walker makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half40-33Chase Walker makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half43-33Boden Skunberg makes 24-foot three point jumper (Ty'Reek Coleman assists)
- 2nd Half45-33Chase Walker makes layup
- 2nd Half47-33Chase Walker makes layup
- 2nd Half47-34Griffen Goodbary makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half47-35Griffen Goodbary makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half49-35Boden Skunberg makes driving layup
- 2nd Half50-35Boden Skunberg makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half50-37Okku Federiko makes layup (Owen Larson assists)
- 2nd Half53-37Johnny Kinziger makes 26-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half53-39Okku Federiko makes driving layup
- 2nd Half56-39Landon Moore makes 23-foot three point jumper (Johnny Kinziger assists)
- 2nd Half56-42Eli Shetlar makes 27-foot three point jumper (Andrew Alia assists)
- 2nd Half56-45Andrew Alia makes 26-foot three point jumper (Eli Shetlar assists)
- 2nd Half57-45Chase Walker makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half60-45Landon Wolf makes 25-foot three point jumper (Chase Walker assists)
- 2nd Half62-45Johnny Kinziger makes layup (Chase Walker assists)
- 2nd Half62-48Okku Federiko makes 26-foot three point jumper (Braden Appelhans assists)
- 2nd Half64-48Chase Walker makes layup
- 2nd Half65-48Johnny Kinziger makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half68-48Landon Wolf makes 25-foot three point jumper (Johnny Kinziger assists)
- 2nd Half68-51Andrew Alia makes 23-foot three point jumper (Jalen Quinn assists)
- 2nd Half71-51Boden Skunberg makes 24-foot three point step back jumpshot
- 2nd Half71-52Jalen Quinn makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half71-54Braden Appelhans makes 19-foot jumper
- 2nd Half73-54Landon Wolf makes 13-foot floating jump shot
- 2nd Half73-55Isaiah Carr makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half73-56Isaiah Carr makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Drake Bulldogs, below favours Illinois State Redbirds.
Venue
- Knapp CenterDes Moines, IA
- Attendance3592
- OfficialsDeldre Carr, Ed Crenshaw Jr., Larry Hamilton
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