NCAAB · Final

Illinois State Dominates Kent State in NCAAB Clash

Wednesday, March 18, 2026, 8:00 PM ET · CEFCU Arena

Illinois State Redbirds 79, Kent State Golden Flashes 58, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.

Next free pick (not the main pick)

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.

Unlock today's pick in Telegram →

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+.

Get the daily free pick · See plans

Quick answers

Who won Kent State Golden Flashes vs Illinois State Redbirds?

Illinois State Redbirds beat Kent State Golden Flashes 79-58 at CEFCU Arena on March 18, 2026.

Who was favored in Kent State Golden Flashes vs Illinois State Redbirds?

Illinois State Redbirds were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -192 (about 66% implied). The favorite won.

In a decisive matchup at CEFCU Arena, the Illinois State Redbirds triumphed over the Kent State Golden Flashes with a final score of 79-58. This victory is particularly notable as it reflects a significant home advantage for the Redbirds, who ended the season with a home record of 21-12, while the Golden Flashes recorded an away record of 24-10.

Illinois State's recent form had been mixed leading up to this game, with a record of 5-5 in their last ten outings. They had been struggling with consistency, having lost their most recent game against the Northern Iowa Panthers 52-74. In their last five games, they averaged 68.4 points scored while allowing 70.4 points, indicating a need for improvement on the defensive end. However, their home performance remained strong, with a home record of 4-2 in their last six games.

On the other hand, Kent State entered the game with a more favorable recent record of 7-3 in their last ten games, although they too were coming off a loss, falling to the Akron Zips 68-75. The Golden Flashes had been averaging 80.8 points scored and 77.3 points allowed in their last ten games, showcasing a more offensive approach compared to their opponents. Kent State's away record was 3-2 in their last five games, indicating some level of competitiveness even when not playing at home.

The matchup was also intriguing due to the different styles of play exhibited by both teams. Illinois State had been known for their defensive struggles, allowing an average of 71.7 points per game over their last ten, while Kent State's high-scoring offense was a key factor in their success throughout the season.

In terms of previous meetings, the block does not provide details on past encounters between these two teams, but the context of their current form and records suggests that this game was critical for both sides as they sought to establish momentum heading into the postseason.

Injury reports were not detailed in the block, but both teams had been managing their rosters as they approached the final games of the season. The absence of key players can often shift the dynamics of such matchups, making it a crucial aspect for teams to navigate.

The betting market, as reported by DraftKings, had Illinois State favored by 4.5 points, with a total set at 154.5. This spread reflects the expectations of a competitive game, although the final score indicated a more dominant performance by the Redbirds than anticipated.

Conditions in the arena were typical for a late-season college basketball game, with a lively atmosphere contributing to the home team's advantage. Fans witnessed a strong showing from Illinois State, who capitalized on their home court to secure the victory.

Key moments in the game included several scoring plays that highlighted Illinois State's offensive capabilities. Notable plays included a layup by Ty'Reek Coleman and a three-point jumper by Jack Daugherty, which helped extend their lead in the second half. The Redbirds' ability to execute in crucial moments was a defining factor in their success on the night.

Overall, the game served as a testament to Illinois State's resilience and ability to perform under pressure, especially given their recent struggles. The victory not only boosts their confidence but also positions them favorably as they look ahead to the next challenges in the season.

Odds

Book	Spread	Total	Moneyline
DraftKings	ILST -4.5	154.5 o -108 / u -112	Kent State Golden Flashes +160 · Illinois State Redbirds -192

What these prices pay on $100 · What these numbers mean

Leaders

PointsLandon Wolf24Illinois State Redbirds
AssistsJohnny Kinziger7Illinois State Redbirds
ReboundsLandon Wolf7Illinois State Redbirds
PointsMorgan Safford19Kent State Golden Flashes
AssistsCian Medley7Kent State Golden Flashes
ReboundsDelrecco Gillespie15Kent State Golden Flashes

Recent form

Illinois State Redbirds

Last 10: 5-5Streak L170 scored · 71.7 allowed per game4-2 at home

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

Kent State Golden Flashes

Last 10: 7-3Streak L180.8 scored · 77.3 allowed per game3-2 away

L68-75at Akron ZipsMar 13
W86-75vs Ohio BobcatsMar 12
W86-78vs Western Michigan BroncosMar 7
W102-76at Northern Illinois HuskiesMar 4
L70-92vs Akron ZipsFeb 28
W83-81vs Central Michigan ChippewasFeb 25
W78-71at Bowling Green FalconsFeb 18
W75-68at Ball State CardinalsFeb 14
W95-91vs Eastern Michigan EaglesFeb 12
L65-66at Southern Miss Golden EaglesFeb 7

Standings

Team	Overall	Games behind	In conference
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
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	Kent State Golden Flashes	Illinois State Redbirds
Field goals	21-64	27-64
Field goal %	33	42
Three-pointers	7-28	13-35
Three-point %	25	37
Free throws	9-12	12-18
Free throw %	75	67
Rebounds	43	43
Offensive rebounds	10	8
Defensive rebounds	33	35
Assists	16	21
Steals	2	7
Blocks	2	3
Turnovers	10	4
Team turnovers	0	0
Technical fouls	0	0
Technical fouls, total	0	0
Flagrant fouls	0	0
Points off turnovers	4	15
Fast-break points	7	13
Points in the paint	26	24
Fouls	16	14
Largest lead	2	26
Lead changes	4	4
Time in front	4	93

How the scoring went

1st Half21-41Landon Wolf makes 27-foot three point jumper (Johnny Kinziger assists)
1st Half23-41Dezmon Briscoe makes driving layup (Morgan Safford assists)
1st Half23-42Landon Wolf makes free throw 1 of 2
1st Half23-43Landon Wolf makes free throw 2 of 2
1st Half23-45Landon Wolf makes 6-foot floating jump shot (Ty'Reek Coleman assists)
1st Half25-45Rob Whaley Jr. makes layup (Cian Medley assists)
2nd Half28-45Rob Whaley Jr. makes 26-foot three point jumper (Cian Medley assists)
2nd Half29-45Rob Whaley Jr. makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half29-48Landon Wolf makes 23-foot three point jumper (Johnny Kinziger assists)
2nd Half29-50Chase Walker makes layup
2nd Half31-50Morgan Safford makes 12-foot floating jump shot
2nd Half33-50Delrecco Gillespie makes 2-foot dunk (Cian Medley assists)
2nd Half36-50Cian Medley makes 28-foot three point jumper (Delrecco Gillespie assists)
2nd Half36-52Ty'Reek Coleman makes driving layup (Chase Walker assists)
2nd Half36-55Landon Wolf makes 23-foot three point jumper (Chase Walker assists)
2nd Half37-55Delrecco Gillespie makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half37-57Johnny Kinziger makes 19-foot jumper (Landon Moore assists)
2nd Half37-60Chase Walker makes 24-foot three point jumper (Johnny Kinziger assists)
2nd Half37-61Landon Moore makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half37-62Mason Klabo makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half37-63Mason Klabo makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half40-63Jahari Williamson makes 23-foot three point jumper (Rob Whaley Jr. assists)
2nd Half40-66Mason Klabo makes 24-foot three point jumper (Johnny Kinziger assists)
2nd Half42-66Rob Whaley Jr. makes layup (Morgan Safford assists)
2nd Half44-66Morgan Safford makes layup (Rob Whaley Jr. assists)
2nd Half44-68Chase Walker makes 19-foot pullup jump shot (Mason Klabo assists)
2nd Half45-68Morgan Safford makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half46-68Morgan Safford makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half46-70Ty'Reek Coleman makes 9-foot floating jump shot (Brandon Lieb assists)
2nd Half46-71Ty'Reek Coleman makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half49-71Jahari Williamson makes 25-foot three point step back jumpshot (Cian Medley assists)
2nd Half51-71Jahari Williamson makes layup
2nd Half51-73Ty'Reek Coleman makes layup
2nd Half51-75Chase Walker makes 1-foot dunk
2nd Half52-75Quinn Woidke makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half53-75Quinn Woidke makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half55-75Morgan Safford makes 14-foot floating jump shot
2nd Half55-78Jack Daugherty makes 28-foot three point jumper (Ty'Reek Coleman assists)
2nd Half58-78Morgan Safford makes 25-foot three point jumper
2nd Half58-79Brandon Lieb makes free throw 1 of 2

Win probability

Above the line favours Illinois State Redbirds, below favours Kent State Golden Flashes.