Evansville edges Illinois State in thrilling finish
Monday, February 9, 2026, 8:00 PM ET · Ford Center
Evansville Purple Aces 88, Illinois State Redbirds 80, 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 Evansville Purple Aces?
Evansville Purple Aces beat Illinois State Redbirds 88-80 at Ford Center on February 9, 2026.
Who was favored in Illinois State Redbirds vs Evansville Purple Aces?
Illinois State Redbirds were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -625 (about 86% implied). The underdog won.
In a surprising turn of events, the Evansville Purple Aces triumphed over the Illinois State Redbirds with a final score of 88-80. This victory comes as a notable highlight for Evansville, who has struggled throughout the season with a record of 6-19 prior to this game. In stark contrast, Illinois State entered the matchup with a solid 16-9 record, making the outcome all the more significant for the home team at the Ford Center.
Evansville's recent form had been concerning, with a record of 1-8-1 over their last ten games, including a four-game losing streak. They averaged just 58.7 points scored while allowing 68.7 points per game during this stretch. Their last five games were particularly bleak, as they failed to secure a win, averaging only 51.8 points while conceding 61.4.
On the other hand, Illinois State had been showing more resilience, with a record of 5-5 in their last ten games and a recent win against the Drake Bulldogs, which snapped a previous two-game losing streak. They averaged 71.4 points scored and allowed 67.2 points during their last ten games, indicating a more balanced offensive and defensive performance.
The head-to-head history between these two teams favored Illinois State, who held a 2-1 advantage in their last three meetings. The most recent encounter prior to this game was on January 1, 2026, where Illinois State defeated Evansville 73-47. However, the Aces turned the tables this time around, showcasing their determination to improve their standing.
In terms of home and away performance, Evansville had struggled at home with a 0-4 record in their last four home games, while Illinois State had a mixed away record of 1-3 over their last four games. This context added to the intrigue of the matchup, as Evansville sought to capitalize on their home court advantage.
Injuries were not reported as a significant factor in this game, allowing both teams to field their regular lineups. The market had set the odds with Illinois State favored by 10.5 points according to DraftKings, highlighting the expectations for the away team prior to the game. The total points line was set at 137.5, indicating a belief in a moderately high-scoring affair.
Conditions at the Ford Center were conducive to a competitive game, and both teams delivered an exciting matchup. The scoring plays in the second half were particularly notable, with Evansville maintaining their lead despite a late push from Illinois State. Key moments included AJ Casey making a layup and several three-pointers from Ty'Reek Coleman, who attempted to rally his team back into contention.
Ultimately, Evansville's performance was characterized by their ability to withstand pressure and secure critical points in the closing moments. They capitalized on their opportunities at the free-throw line, with crucial makes from Bryce Quinet and AJ Casey sealing the victory.
This result not only boosts Evansville's morale but also serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of college basketball, where any team can emerge victorious on any given night.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | ILST -10.5 | 137.5 o -115 / u -105 | Illinois State Redbirds -625 · Evansville Purple Aces +455 |
Leaders
- PointsAJ Casey28Evansville Purple Aces
- AssistsLeif Moeller8Evansville Purple Aces
- ReboundsLeif Moeller10Evansville Purple Aces
- PointsLandon Moore16Illinois State Redbirds
- AssistsJohnny Kinziger8Illinois State Redbirds
- ReboundsLandon Wolf9Illinois State Redbirds
Recent form
Evansville Purple Aces
Last 10: 1-8-1Streak L458.7 scored · 68.7 allowed per game0-4 at home
- L63-70at Valparaiso BeaconsFeb 7
- L63-84vs Indiana State SycamoresFeb 4
- L55-71at Northern Iowa PanthersJan 31
- L78-82at Drake BulldogsJan 29
- D0-0vs Southern Illinois SalukisJan 25
- L49-76at UIC FlamesJan 21
- L90-94vs Bradley BravesJan 14
- W72-69at Indiana State SycamoresJan 10
- L69-79vs Murray State RacersJan 8
- L48-62vs Northern Iowa PanthersJan 4
Illinois State Redbirds
Last 10: 5-5Streak W171.4 scored · 67.2 allowed per game1-3 away
- W86-76vs Drake BulldogsFeb 7
- L50-54vs Southern Illinois SalukisFeb 4
- W70-65at Murray State RacersJan 29
- L69-80at Belmont BruinsJan 24
- 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
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 | Evansville Purple Aces |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 29-59 | 29-51 |
| Field goal % | 49 | 57 |
| Three-pointers | 12-29 | 14-21 |
| Three-point % | 41 | 67 |
| Free throws | 10-14 | 16-19 |
| Free throw % | 71 | 84 |
| Rebounds | 27 | 28 |
| Offensive rebounds | 5 | 2 |
| Defensive rebounds | 22 | 26 |
| Assists | 21 | 15 |
| Steals | 5 | 4 |
| Blocks | 0 | 8 |
| Turnovers | 7 | 7 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 9 | 11 |
| Fast-break points | 9 | 4 |
| Points in the paint | 34 | 28 |
| Fouls | 15 | 12 |
| Largest lead | 9 | 19 |
| Lead changes | 1 | 1 |
| Time in front | 15 | 82 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half39-53Johnny Kinziger makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half41-53Ty'Reek Coleman makes layup (Chase Walker assists)
- 2nd Half41-56Kaia Berridge makes 22-foot three point jumper (Alex Hemenway assists)
- 2nd Half43-56Chase Walker makes layup
- 2nd Half43-58AJ Casey makes 4-foot jumper (Leif Moeller assists)
- 2nd Half45-58Landon Wolf makes layup (Boden Skunberg assists)
- 2nd Half45-61Alex Hemenway makes 27-foot three point jumper (Leif Moeller assists)
- 2nd Half47-61Chase Walker makes layup (Ty'Reek Coleman assists)
- 2nd Half47-64Kaia Berridge makes 26-foot three point jumper (Alex Hemenway assists)
- 2nd Half47-65AJ Casey makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half47-66AJ Casey makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half49-66Ty'Reek Coleman makes 6-foot floating jump shot
- 2nd Half51-66Ty Pence makes 4-foot jumper
- 2nd Half52-66Ty'Reek Coleman makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half54-66Ty'Reek Coleman makes layup
- 2nd Half54-68Bryce Quinet makes layup
- 2nd Half57-68Landon Moore makes 23-foot three point jumper (Ty Pence assists)
- 2nd Half57-69Kaia Berridge makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half57-70Kaia Berridge makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half60-70Landon Moore makes 25-foot three point jumper (Ty Pence assists)
- 2nd Half60-72Joshua Hughes makes layup (Leif Moeller assists)
- 2nd Half60-75Leif Moeller makes 24-foot three point step back jumpshot
- 2nd Half62-75Landon Moore makes 4-foot jumper
- 2nd Half63-75Landon Moore makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half63-76AJ Casey makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half63-77AJ Casey makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half65-77Ty Pence makes 3-foot dunk (Johnny Kinziger assists)
- 2nd Half65-79Leif Moeller makes layup (AJ Casey assists)
- 2nd Half65-82AJ Casey makes 25-foot three pointer
- 2nd Half65-83Trent Hundley makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half65-84Trent Hundley makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half67-84Landon Moore makes layup
- 2nd Half67-86AJ Casey makes layup
- 2nd Half70-86Ty'Reek Coleman makes 24-foot three point jumper (Johnny Kinziger assists)
- 2nd Half73-86Ty'Reek Coleman makes 25-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half76-86Johnny Kinziger makes 23-foot three point jumper (Ty Pence assists)
- 2nd Half79-86Ty Pence makes 25-foot three point jumper (Landon Moore assists)
- 2nd Half80-86Ty'Reek Coleman makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half80-87Bryce Quinet makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half80-88AJ Casey makes free throw 1 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Evansville Purple Aces, below favours Illinois State Redbirds.
Venue
- Ford CenterEvansville, IN
- Attendance3059
- OfficialsJeff Campbell, Marques Pettigrew, K.B. Burdett Jr.
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