Utah State Edges Illinois State in Close Contest
Saturday, December 13, 2025, 5:00 PM ET · Delta Center
Utah State Aggies 83, Illinois State Redbirds 78, 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 Utah State Aggies?
Utah State Aggies beat Illinois State Redbirds 83-78 at Delta Center on December 13, 2025.
Who was favored in Illinois State Redbirds vs Utah State Aggies?
Utah State Aggies were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -410 (about 80% implied). The favorite won.
In a thrilling encounter at the Delta Center, the Utah State Aggies narrowly defeated the Illinois State Redbirds with a final score of 83-78. This matchup showcased two teams with solid records, as Utah State entered the game with a home record of 9-1 and Illinois State boasting an away record of 8-3. The contest was particularly significant as both teams have been in strong form, with Utah State sporting an overall record of 8-2 in their last 10 games and Illinois State on a remarkable 7-game winning streak.
Utah State has demonstrated impressive offensive capabilities, averaging 83.4 points scored per game while allowing 68.1 points over their last 10 outings. Their recent form includes a mix of victories, with their last five games yielding a record of 4-1 and an average of 82.8 points scored. The Aggies' home performance has been particularly dominant, maintaining an unblemished home record of 5-0 in their last five games.
On the other hand, Illinois State has also been performing well, averaging 81.5 points scored and allowing 65.9 points in their last 10 games. Their recent success has seen them win their last five games, with an impressive average of 85.8 points scored during that stretch. However, they have struggled somewhat on the road, with a 1-2 record in away games in their last five.
The matchup was highly anticipated not only for the teams' current form but also due to their previous encounters. While the block does not provide detailed historical context, the stakes were high as both teams aimed to secure a win to bolster their standings.
In terms of injuries, the block did not specify any key players missing from either squad, suggesting both teams were at full strength for this pivotal game. The conditions at the Delta Center were favorable for basketball, with a lively crowd supporting the home team.
The betting market reflected Utah State's strong position, with DraftKings listing them as 8.5-point favorites, indicating confidence in their ability to secure a win. The total points line was set at 148.5, suggesting an expectation of a high-scoring affair.
As the game unfolded, Utah State's ability to make crucial free throws in the closing moments proved decisive. Key plays included MJ Collins Jr. converting multiple free throws that helped maintain their lead, while Landon Moore's contributions kept Illinois State within striking distance.
The final moments were tense, with both teams trading baskets and free throws. Ultimately, Utah State's performance in the final minutes allowed them to seal the victory, affirming their status as a formidable opponent in the league.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | USU -8.5 | 148.5 o -105 / u -115 | Illinois State Redbirds +320 · Utah State Aggies -410 |
Leaders
- PointsMJ Collins Jr.20Utah State Aggies
- AssistsMason Falslev4Utah State Aggies
- ReboundsGarry Clark8Utah State Aggies
- PointsTy Pence21Illinois State Redbirds
- AssistsJohnny Kinziger5Illinois State Redbirds
- ReboundsTy Pence4Illinois State Redbirds
Recent form
Utah State Aggies
Last 10: 8-2Streak W183.4 scored · 68.1 allowed per game5-0 at home
- W79-53at Charlotte 49ersDec 7
- L61-74at South Florida BullsDec 5
- W84-81vs Montana State BobcatsNov 29
- W94-60at Davidson WildcatsNov 24
- W96-75at Tulane Green WaveNov 21
- W75-51vs UTEP MinersNov 15
- W83-73vs Weber State WildcatsNov 13
- W80-77vs VCU RamsNov 8
- W110-54vs Westminster (UT) GriffinsNov 4
- L72-83at Colorado State RamsMar 15
Illinois State Redbirds
Last 10: 8-2Streak W781.5 scored · 65.9 allowed per game1-2 away
- 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
- L67-87at USC TrojansNov 15
- W76-65vs Cornell Big RedNov 9
- L68-72at Ohio BobcatsNov 7
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 | Utah State Aggies |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 30-51 | 32-61 |
| Field goal % | 59 | 52 |
| Three-pointers | 5-14 | 7-18 |
| Three-point % | 36 | 39 |
| Free throws | 13-16 | 12-15 |
| Free throw % | 81 | 80 |
| Rebounds | 18 | 33 |
| Offensive rebounds | 7 | 19 |
| Defensive rebounds | 11 | 14 |
| Assists | 10 | 18 |
| Steals | 11 | 8 |
| Blocks | 3 | 1 |
| Turnovers | 17 | 16 |
| Team turnovers | 1 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 1 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 1 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 20 | 26 |
| Fast-break points | 18 | 16 |
| Points in the paint | 40 | 50 |
| Fouls | 16 | 14 |
| Largest lead | 3 | 15 |
| Lead changes | 3 | 3 |
| Time in front | 7 | 88 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half44-57Boden Skunberg made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half45-57Boden Skunberg made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half45-59Garry Clark made Layup.
- 2nd Half47-59Landon Moore made Layup.
- 2nd Half47-62Kolby King made Three Point Jumper. Assisted by Jordy Barnes.
- 2nd Half50-62Landon Moore made Three Point Jumper. Assisted by Ty Pence.
- 2nd Half52-62Cameron Barnes made Two Point Tip Shot.
- 2nd Half52-64Mason Falslev made Layup.
- 2nd Half53-64Johnny Kinziger made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half54-64Johnny Kinziger made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half56-64Johnny Kinziger made Jumper.
- 2nd Half56-65Mason Falslev made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half56-66Mason Falslev made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half58-66Ty Pence made Layup.
- 2nd Half58-67Mason Falslev made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half58-68Mason Falslev made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half60-68Ty Pence made Jumper.
- 2nd Half61-68Ty Pence made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half62-68Ty Pence made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half63-68Ty Pence made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half63-71MJ Collins Jr. made Three Point Jumper. Assisted by Garry Clark.
- 2nd Half65-71Landon Moore made Layup. Assisted by Johnny Kinziger.
- 2nd Half65-72Garry Clark made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half65-73Garry Clark made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half66-73Johnny Kinziger made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half67-73Johnny Kinziger made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half67-74Garry Clark made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half67-75Garry Clark made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half69-75Chase Walker made Layup. Assisted by Boden Skunberg.
- 2nd Half72-75Landon Moore made Three Point Jumper.
- 2nd Half72-77Mason Falslev made Layup.
- 2nd Half72-79Drake Allen made Layup.
- 2nd Half74-79Ty Pence made Layup.
- 2nd Half74-80MJ Collins Jr. made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half75-80Landon Moore made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half76-80Landon Moore made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half76-81MJ Collins Jr. made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half78-81Landon Moore made Layup.
- 2nd Half78-82MJ Collins Jr. made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half78-83MJ Collins Jr. made Free Throw.
Win probability
Above the line favours Utah State Aggies, below favours Illinois State Redbirds.
Venue
- Delta CenterSalt Lake City, UT
- Attendance2539
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