NCAAB · Final

Ohio Bobcats Edge Illinois State Redbirds in Close Contest

Thursday, November 6, 2025, 7:00 PM ET · Convocation Center (OH)

Ohio Bobcats 72, Illinois State Redbirds 68, 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 Ohio Bobcats?

Ohio Bobcats beat Illinois State Redbirds 72-68 at Convocation Center (OH) on November 6, 2025.

In a tightly contested matchup, the Ohio Bobcats secured a narrow victory over the Illinois State Redbirds, finishing the game with a score of 72-68 at the Convocation Center in Ohio. This win marks a much-needed boost for the Bobcats, who have struggled recently, having lost their last four games prior to this matchup. The victory improves their season record to 2-1, while the Redbirds fall to 0-2.

The Bobcats entered the game with a recent form of 4-6 over their last ten games, but they had been on a four-game losing streak, averaging 80.8 points scored per game while allowing 81.2 points. Their home record stood at 1-1 before this game, with their last home match resulting in a loss to Arkansas State Red Wolves, 85-89. In contrast, the Redbirds had a record of 5-5 in their last ten games, but they were coming off a loss to the Belmont Bruins, 63-76. Illinois State's scoring average was lower than Ohio's, at 72.5 points per game, with a similar defensive average of 72.6 points allowed.

In terms of home versus away performance, Ohio had a home record of 3-2 in their last five games, while Illinois State struggled on the road with a 2-4 record. This matchup was particularly significant for Ohio, as they were looking to break their losing streak and establish some momentum early in the season.

The two teams had met previously in the current season on November 13, 2024, where Ohio lost to Illinois State, 75-85. This game provided the Bobcats with a chance for redemption, and they managed to capitalize on their home advantage.

Injury reports indicated that both teams were relatively healthy, which allowed them to field their strongest lineups. This factor played a crucial role in the intensity of the game, as both teams were eager to secure a win.

The betting market had favored the Bobcats, with odds reflecting their home advantage. According to the provider, Ohio was given a significant edge, which they managed to uphold in the final moments of the game. The conditions in the Convocation Center were optimal for basketball, with a supportive crowd that likely boosted the Bobcats' performance.

Throughout the game, viewers witnessed a series of scoring plays that highlighted the competitive nature of the matchup. Key moments included Jackson Paveletzke making crucial free throws and layups that helped Ohio maintain their lead in the second half. The Bobcats' ability to execute under pressure was evident as they held off a late charge from the Redbirds, who were determined to close the gap.

As the game progressed, Ohio's defense tightened, and they managed to keep Illinois State at bay, despite the Redbirds' attempts to rally. The final moments saw both teams exchanging points, but Ohio's free throws in the closing seconds secured their victory.

This game serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of college basketball, where momentum can shift rapidly, and every possession counts. The Bobcats will look to build on this win as they continue their season, while the Redbirds will need to regroup and find a way to turn their fortunes around.

Leaders

PointsJackson Paveletzke19Ohio Bobcats
AssistsJackson Paveletzke6Ohio Bobcats
ReboundsAidan Hadaway8Ohio Bobcats
PointsBoden Skunberg15Illinois State Redbirds
AssistsJohnny Kinziger3Illinois State Redbirds
ReboundsBoden Skunberg7Illinois State Redbirds

Recent form

Ohio Bobcats

Last 10: 4-6Streak L480.8 scored · 81.2 allowed per game3-2 at home

L85-89vs Arkansas State Red WolvesNov 4
L85-90at Toledo RocketsMar 13
L82-96at Toledo RocketsMar 8
L79-83vs Eastern Michigan EaglesMar 5
W75-66vs Miami (OH) RedHawksMar 1
L73-82at Western Michigan BroncosFeb 26
W84-67vs Akron ZipsFeb 22
W84-82vs Central Michigan ChippewasFeb 19
L75-76at Kent State Golden FlashesFeb 15
W86-81at Bowling Green FalconsFeb 12

Illinois State Redbirds

Last 10: 5-5Streak L172.5 scored · 72.6 allowed per game2-4 away

L63-76at Belmont BruinsMar 7
W70-54vs Missouri State BearsMar 6
W62-53vs Evansville Purple AcesMar 2
L79-88at Southern Illinois SalukisFeb 26
W70-68at Missouri State BearsFeb 23
W82-71vs Bradley BravesFeb 20
L76-85at Indiana State SycamoresFeb 15
L77-84vs Drake BulldogsFeb 13
L65-68at Northern Iowa PanthersFeb 8
W81-79at UIC FlamesFeb 6

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
Miami (OH)	32-2	-	18-0
Akron	29-6	1	17-1
Kent State	24-10	4	14-4
Toledo	19-15	7	11-7
Bowling Green	18-14	9	9-9
Ohio	15-17	9	9-9
Buffalo	17-15	11	7-11
Massachusetts	17-16	11	7-11
Ball State	12-19	11	7-11
Central Michigan	10-21	12	6-12
Western Michigan	10-21	14	4-14
Eastern Michigan	10-21	14	4-14
Northern Illinois	9-21	10	4-14

Box score

Stat	Illinois State Redbirds	Ohio Bobcats
Field goals	27-62	28-55
Field goal %	44	51
Three-pointers	8-26	1-8
Three-point %	31	13
Free throws	6-11	15-27
Free throw %	55	56
Rebounds	36	35
Offensive rebounds	9	5
Defensive rebounds	27	30
Assists	11	13
Steals	4	4
Blocks	4	3
Turnovers	11	8
Team turnovers	2	0
Technical fouls	0	0
Technical fouls, total	0	0
Flagrant fouls	0	0
Points off turnovers	11	17
Fast-break points	10	5
Points in the paint	30	50
Fouls	20	13
Largest lead	8	11

How the scoring went

2nd Half36-33Aidan Hadaway made Layup.
2nd Half38-33Ty Pence made Layup. Assisted by Boden Skunberg.
2nd Half41-33Boden Skunberg made Three Point Jumper.
2nd Half41-35Javan Simmons made Layup. Assisted by Ajay Sheldon.
2nd Half41-37Aidan Hadaway made Layup. Assisted by Jackson Paveletzke.
2nd Half43-37Ty Pence made Jumper.
2nd Half45-37Brandon Lieb made Two Point Tip Shot.
2nd Half45-39Jalen Breath made Layup. Assisted by Jackson Paveletzke.
2nd Half45-40Jalen Breath made Free Throw.
2nd Half46-40Johnny Kinziger made Free Throw.
2nd Half47-40Johnny Kinziger made Free Throw.
2nd Half47-42Jalen Breath made Layup. Assisted by Jackson Paveletzke.
2nd Half49-42Brandon Lieb made Layup. Assisted by Landon Moore.
2nd Half49-44Jalen Breath made Layup. Assisted by Jackson Paveletzke.
2nd Half49-46Jalen Breath made Layup. Assisted by Ajay Sheldon.
2nd Half49-48Javan Simmons made Layup.
2nd Half49-50JJ Kelly made Layup. Assisted by Javan Simmons.
2nd Half49-51Kiir Kuany made Free Throw.
2nd Half49-53Jackson Paveletzke made Layup.
2nd Half49-55Javan Simmons made Layup. Assisted by Dior Conners.
2nd Half51-55Ty Pence made Dunk. Assisted by Johnny Kinziger.
2nd Half53-55Ty'Reek Coleman made Layup.
2nd Half53-58Dior Conners made Three Point Jumper.
2nd Half55-58Boden Skunberg made Jumper.
2nd Half55-59Javan Simmons made Free Throw.
2nd Half55-60Javan Simmons made Free Throw.
2nd Half55-62Jackson Paveletzke made Layup.
2nd Half56-62Ty'Reek Coleman made Free Throw.
2nd Half58-62Johnny Kinziger made Jumper.
2nd Half58-64Jackson Paveletzke made Jumper.
2nd Half61-64Chase Walker made Three Point Jumper. Assisted by Ty'Reek Coleman.
2nd Half61-66Javan Simmons made Layup. Assisted by Jackson Paveletzke.
2nd Half61-67Jackson Paveletzke made Free Throw.
2nd Half61-68Jackson Paveletzke made Free Throw.
2nd Half61-69Ajay Sheldon made Free Throw.
2nd Half63-69Johnny Kinziger made Layup.
2nd Half63-71Jackson Paveletzke made Layup.
2nd Half65-71Ty Pence made Layup.
2nd Half65-72Jackson Paveletzke made Free Throw.
2nd Half68-72Mason Klabo made Three Point Jumper.