Illinois State Edges Wake Forest in Thrilling Finish
Sunday, March 22, 2026, 4:30 PM ET · LJVM Coliseum
Illinois State Redbirds 78, Wake Forest Demon Deacons 75, 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 Wake Forest Demon Deacons?
Illinois State Redbirds beat Wake Forest Demon Deacons 78-75 at LJVM Coliseum on March 22, 2026.
Who was favored in Illinois State Redbirds vs Wake Forest Demon Deacons?
Wake Forest Demon Deacons were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -355 (about 78% implied). The underdog won.
In a closely contested matchup, the Illinois State Redbirds triumphed over the Wake Forest Demon Deacons with a final score of 78-75. This game, held at the LJVM Coliseum, showcased the intensity and competitiveness typical of NCAA basketball, particularly as both teams sought to solidify their seasons.
Illinois State entered the game with a record of 22-12, while Wake Forest had a record of 18-17. The Redbirds had been showing mixed form recently, with a record of 5-5 in their last ten games and an average of 70.0 points scored per game, while allowing 71.7 points. In contrast, Wake Forest had a slightly better record of 6-4 over their last ten games, averaging 76.1 points scored and 74.8 points allowed. However, the Demon Deacons were on a one-game losing streak, having lost their most recent game against the Clemson Tigers.
At home, Wake Forest had a strong record of 4-0 in their last four games, while their overall away record stood at 2-4. Illinois State, on the other hand, had struggled on the road with a 1-3 away record in their last four games. This context set the stage for an intriguing battle, as Wake Forest looked to leverage their home advantage against an Illinois State team that had been inconsistent away from home.
The game unfolded with a series of scoring plays that kept fans on the edge of their seats. Illinois State's Johnny Kinziger made crucial free throws that put the Redbirds ahead late in the second half. A key moment came when Juke Harris made a tip-in layup, tying the game at 71-71. The back-and-forth continued as both teams exchanged leads, with Tre'Von Spillers making significant contributions for Illinois State, including a layup that tied the game again at 75-75.
As the clock wound down, Kinziger's long three-pointer secured the victory for the Redbirds, capping off a thrilling finish that highlighted the competitive spirit of both teams. The final score of 78-75 reflected the close nature of the contest, with Illinois State managing to pull away in the final moments.
The betting market prior to the game, as reported by DraftKings, had Wake Forest favored by 8.5 points, with a total set at 152.5. The odds indicated a strong expectation for Wake Forest to perform well at home, but Illinois State's performance defied those expectations.
In terms of player contributions, the game featured standout performances from both sides, with Illinois State's Kinziger being pivotal in the closing moments. The conditions in the arena were conducive to an exciting game, with a charged atmosphere that often accompanies postseason matchups.
Overall, this game not only showcased the talent on both rosters but also the unpredictability of tournament play, where every possession can shift the momentum. Fans and analysts alike will be discussing the implications of this result as both teams move forward in their respective campaigns.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | WAKE -8.5 | 152.5 o -112 / u -108 | Illinois State Redbirds +280 · Wake Forest Demon Deacons -355 |
Leaders
- PointsTre'Von Spillers24Wake Forest Demon Deacons
- AssistsNate Calmese5Wake Forest Demon Deacons
- ReboundsTre'Von Spillers8Wake Forest Demon Deacons
- PointsTy Pence23Illinois State Redbirds
- AssistsJohnny Kinziger5Illinois State Redbirds
- ReboundsBoden Skunberg9Illinois State Redbirds
Recent form
Wake Forest Demon Deacons
Last 10: 6-4Streak L176.1 scored · 74.8 allowed per game4-0 at home
- L62-71at Clemson TigersMar 12
- W95-89at Virginia Tech HokiesMar 10
- W80-73vs California Golden BearsMar 7
- L70-75at Virginia CavaliersMar 4
- W88-83vs Syracuse OrangeFeb 28
- L67-68at Boston College EaglesFeb 25
- L63-82at Virginia Tech HokiesFeb 21
- W85-77vs Clemson TigersFeb 19
- W68-63vs Stanford CardinalFeb 14
- W83-67at Georgia Tech Yellow JacketsFeb 12
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 |
| Duke | 35-3 | - | 17-1 |
| Virginia | 30-6 | 2 | 15-3 |
| Miami | 26-9 | 4 | 13-5 |
| North Carolina | 24-9 | 5 | 12-6 |
| Clemson | 24-11 | 5 | 12-6 |
| Louisville | 24-11 | 6 | 11-7 |
| NC State | 20-14 | 7 | 10-8 |
| Florida State | 18-15 | 7 | 10-8 |
| California | 22-12 | 8 | 9-9 |
| Stanford | 20-13 | 8 | 9-9 |
| Virginia Tech | 19-13 | 9 | 8-10 |
| SMU | 20-14 | 9 | 8-10 |
| Wake Forest | 18-17 | 10 | 7-11 |
| Syracuse | 15-17 | 11 | 6-12 |
| Pittsburgh | 13-20 | 12 | 5-13 |
| Notre Dame | 13-18 | 13 | 4-14 |
| Boston College | 11-20 | 13 | 4-14 |
| Georgia Tech | 11-20 | 15 | 2-16 |
Box score
| Stat | Illinois State Redbirds | Wake Forest Demon Deacons |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 25-61 | 28-56 |
| Field goal % | 41 | 50 |
| Three-pointers | 10-33 | 5-16 |
| Three-point % | 30 | 31 |
| Free throws | 18-21 | 14-21 |
| Free throw % | 86 | 67 |
| Rebounds | 31 | 35 |
| Offensive rebounds | 10 | 8 |
| Defensive rebounds | 21 | 27 |
| Assists | 12 | 15 |
| Steals | 6 | 7 |
| Blocks | 2 | 4 |
| Turnovers | 9 | 11 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 1 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 1 |
| Points off turnovers | 19 | 9 |
| Fast-break points | 5 | 5 |
| Points in the paint | 30 | 40 |
| Fouls | 18 | 15 |
| Largest lead | 3 | 9 |
| Lead changes | 12 | 12 |
| Time in front | 19 | 63 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half37-44Omaha Biliew makes 1-foot dunk (Juke Harris assists)
- 2nd Half39-44Chase Walker makes layup (Johnny Kinziger assists)
- 2nd Half39-45Juke Harris makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half41-45Ty Pence makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half41-46Myles Colvin makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half41-48Juke Harris makes driving layup
- 2nd Half44-48Ty Pence makes 27-foot three point jumper (Johnny Kinziger assists)
- 2nd Half44-51Myles Colvin makes 22-foot three point jumper (Cooper Schwieger assists)
- 2nd Half44-53Myles Colvin makes driving layup
- 2nd Half47-53Johnny Kinziger makes 24-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half47-54Juke Harris makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half47-55Juke Harris makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half50-55Johnny Kinziger makes 23-foot three point jumper (Ty Pence assists)
- 2nd Half50-57Tre'Von Spillers makes 13-foot hook shot (Nate Calmese assists)
- 2nd Half50-59Myles Colvin makes 1-foot alley oop dunk (Nate Calmese assists)
- 2nd Half51-59Ty Pence makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half52-59Ty Pence makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half55-59Johnny Kinziger makes 26-foot three point jumper (Landon Wolf assists)
- 2nd Half55-60Juke Harris makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half57-60Ty Pence makes layup
- 2nd Half60-60Landon Wolf makes 28-foot three point jumper (Johnny Kinziger assists)
- 2nd Half63-60Ty Pence makes 24-foot three point jumper (Landon Wolf assists)
- 2nd Half63-62Isaac Carr makes layup
- 2nd Half63-63Omaha Biliew makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half63-64Omaha Biliew makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half66-64Ty Pence makes 26-foot three point jumper (Johnny Kinziger assists)
- 2nd Half66-66Tre'Von Spillers makes 9-foot hook shot
- 2nd Half66-67Omaha Biliew makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half66-68Omaha Biliew makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half68-68Chase Walker makes layup
- 2nd Half69-68Chase Walker makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half71-68Ty Pence makes 10-foot jumper
- 2nd Half71-69Isaac Carr makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half71-71Juke Harris makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half72-71Johnny Kinziger makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half73-71Johnny Kinziger makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half73-73Tre'Von Spillers makes layup (Juke Harris assists)
- 2nd Half75-73Chase Walker makes layup
- 2nd Half75-75Tre'Von Spillers makes layup (Juke Harris assists)
- 2nd Half78-75Johnny Kinziger makes 26-foot three point jumper
Win probability
Above the line favours Wake Forest Demon Deacons, below favours Illinois State Redbirds.
Venue
- LJVM ColiseumWinston-Salem, NC
- Attendance1933
- OfficialsJeff Pon, Anthony Eades, Chase Shaw
Elsewhere
- 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
- All-SEC F Mitchell reenrolls at Missouri, avoids transfer battle
- Duke's Coach K Court to have sponsorship logo for first time
- Sankey, SEC 'prepared to contest' judge's order in Louisiana