NCAAB · Final

Illinois State Dominates Murray State 78-61 at Home

Wednesday, February 18, 2026, 9:00 PM ET · CEFCU Arena

Illinois State Redbirds 78, Murray State Racers 61, 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 Murray State Racers vs Illinois State Redbirds?

Illinois State Redbirds beat Murray State Racers 78-61 at CEFCU Arena on February 18, 2026.

Who was favored in Murray State Racers vs Illinois State Redbirds?

Illinois State Redbirds were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -142 (about 59% implied). The favorite won.

In a decisive victory, the Illinois State Redbirds defeated the Murray State Racers 78-61 at CEFCU Arena. This matchup was particularly noteworthy as both teams were vying for momentum in the NCAAB season, with Illinois State entering the game with a home record of 18-10 and Murray State at 19-10 overall. Illinois State has now secured a 3-0 record against Murray State in their last three meetings, including two wins this season.

Illinois State's recent form showed a mixed bag, with a record of 5-5 in their last ten games, but they had been trending downwards with a loss in their most recent outing against UIC Flames, where they fell 56-83. However, prior to that defeat, they had managed to win against Valparaiso Beacons 86-64, showcasing their offensive capabilities as they averaged 73.3 points scored and allowed 72.0 points during this stretch. At home, the Redbirds have been particularly strong, holding a 4-1 record in their last five games.

On the other hand, Murray State has struggled recently, recording a 4-6 mark in their last ten games, including a loss to Belmont Bruins 70-87 in their previous game. The Racers have averaged 77.8 points scored but have allowed a higher average of 83.9 points, indicating defensive vulnerabilities. Their away record has been less impressive, with a 2-3 record in their last five games.

The matchup was set against a backdrop of competitive odds, with DraftKings listing Illinois State as 2.5-point favorites and a total set at 158.5. The home team was given a moneyline of -142.0, while Murray State was priced at +120.0, reflecting the expectations of a close contest.

In terms of injury impact, the block did not specify any significant injuries affecting either team, allowing both squads to field their best players. The conditions in CEFCU Arena were conducive to a high-energy game, with fans supporting their home team.

As the game unfolded, Illinois State took control early and maintained their lead throughout. Key scoring plays included a series of layups by Ty'Reek Coleman, who made significant contributions to the Redbirds' scoring in the second half. The Redbirds' ability to capitalize on their home advantage and execute their game plan effectively was evident as they built a substantial lead.

Overall, Illinois State's performance illustrated their capability to perform under pressure, especially at home, while Murray State will need to reassess their defensive strategies moving forward after this setback.

Odds

Book	Spread	Total	Moneyline
DraftKings	ILST -2.5	158.5 o -108 / u -112	Murray State Racers +120 · Illinois State Redbirds -142

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

Leaders

PointsTy'Reek Coleman22Illinois State Redbirds
AssistsTy'Reek Coleman4Illinois State Redbirds
ReboundsLandon Wolf6Illinois State Redbirds
PointsRoman Domon18Murray State Racers
AssistsKJ Tenner4Murray State Racers
ReboundsFred King6Murray State Racers

Recent form

Illinois State Redbirds

Last 10: 5-5Streak L173.3 scored · 72 allowed per game4-1 at home

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
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

Murray State Racers

Last 10: 4-6Streak L177.8 scored · 83.9 allowed per game2-3 away

L70-87vs Belmont BruinsFeb 15
W74-72at Indiana State SycamoresFeb 13
L60-89vs Northern Iowa PanthersFeb 10
W91-81at Southern Illinois SalukisFeb 7
W81-74vs UIC FlamesFeb 4
L86-103at Belmont BruinsFeb 1
L65-70vs Illinois State RedbirdsJan 29
L76-81at Northern Iowa PanthersJan 24
L90-101at Drake BulldogsJan 22
W85-81vs Indiana State SycamoresJan 17

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	Murray State Racers	Illinois State Redbirds
Field goals	24-57	32-58
Field goal %	42	55
Three-pointers	5-20	9-21
Three-point %	25	43
Free throws	8-14	5-11
Free throw %	57	45
Rebounds	26	38
Offensive rebounds	11	15
Defensive rebounds	15	23
Assists	10	16
Steals	8	8
Blocks	3	1
Turnovers	12	17
Team turnovers	0	3
Technical fouls	0	0
Technical fouls, total	0	0
Flagrant fouls	1	0
Points off turnovers	10	12
Fast-break points	11	12
Points in the paint	38	40
Fouls	12	14
Largest lead	5	23
Lead changes	1	1
Time in front	19	76

How the scoring went

1st Half27-36Ty'Reek Coleman makes driving layup
1st Half28-36Roman Domon makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half30-36Javon Jackson makes 8-foot floating jump shot
2nd Half30-37Johnny Kinziger makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half30-38Mason Klabo makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half30-39Mason Klabo makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half30-42Boden Skunberg makes 23-foot three point jumper (Landon Wolf assists)
2nd Half32-42Javon Jackson makes layup
2nd Half32-44Brandon Lieb makes layup (Boden Skunberg assists)
2nd Half32-46Ty'Reek Coleman makes layup (Boden Skunberg assists)
2nd Half34-46Fred King makes 1-foot dunk (Layne Taylor assists)
2nd Half34-48Landon Wolf makes layup
2nd Half37-48Roman Domon makes 24-foot three point jumper (Layne Taylor assists)
2nd Half37-51Johnny Kinziger makes 25-foot three point jumper (Ty Pence assists)
2nd Half39-51Fred King makes 0-foot tip in layup
2nd Half39-54Ty Pence makes 25-foot three point jumper (Johnny Kinziger assists)
2nd Half40-54Roman Domon makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half41-54Roman Domon makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half41-56Landon Wolf makes layup (Ty Pence assists)
2nd Half41-59Landon Wolf makes 26-foot three point jumper (Ty'Reek Coleman assists)
2nd Half44-59Roman Domon makes 23-foot three point jumper (KJ Tenner assists)
2nd Half44-62Johnny Kinziger makes 25-foot three pointer
2nd Half46-62Mason Miller makes 0-foot tip in layup
2nd Half47-62Roman Domon makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half48-62Roman Domon makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half48-64Landon Moore makes layup
2nd Half49-64JJ Traynor makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half50-64Roman Domon makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half50-67Ty Pence makes 24-foot three point jumper (Johnny Kinziger assists)
2nd Half50-69Ty Pence makes layup
2nd Half50-71Mason Klabo makes driving layup
2nd Half52-71Fred King makes 2-foot dunk (KJ Tenner assists)
2nd Half52-73Ty'Reek Coleman makes layup
2nd Half52-75Ty'Reek Coleman makes layup
2nd Half54-75Roman Domon makes layup
2nd Half54-76Ty'Reek Coleman makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half57-76Brayden Shorter makes 24-foot three point jumper (KJ Tenner assists)
2nd Half57-78Mason Klabo makes 15-foot pullup jump shot (Ty'Reek Coleman assists)
2nd Half59-78Brock Vice makes 0-foot tip in layup
2nd Half61-78Brayden Shorter makes layup (Mathis Courbon assists)

Win probability

Above the line favours Illinois State Redbirds, below favours Murray State Racers.