Illinois State Edges Northern Iowa in Tight Contest
Wednesday, January 21, 2026, 9:00 PM ET · CEFCU Arena
Illinois State Redbirds 59, Northern Iowa Panthers 54, 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 Northern Iowa Panthers vs Illinois State Redbirds?
Illinois State Redbirds beat Northern Iowa Panthers 59-54 at CEFCU Arena on January 21, 2026.
Who was favored in Northern Iowa Panthers vs Illinois State Redbirds?
Illinois State Redbirds were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -278 (about 74% implied). The favorite won.
In a closely contested matchup, the Illinois State Redbirds emerged victorious against the Northern Iowa Panthers with a final score of 59-54. This game was significant not only for its competitive nature but also as a critical conference clash, showcasing the resilience of the Redbirds, who have struggled against the Panthers in previous encounters.
Illinois State entered the game with a home record of 14-6, while Northern Iowa had a record of 12-8. The Redbirds have been performing well at home, boasting a 4-1 record in their last five home games and averaging 76.0 points scored while allowing 68.6 points. Their recent form includes a win against the Bradley Braves (88-62) just days prior, indicating a strong offensive output. In contrast, Northern Iowa has been facing challenges, having lost their last four games and averaging only 62.7 points scored while allowing 61.8 points over their last ten games.
The venue for this matchup was CEFCU Arena, where the Redbirds have found success this season. The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, had Illinois State favored by 6.5 points, with a total set at 132.5. The odds suggested a competitive game, but the Redbirds ultimately proved their worth.
In terms of previous meetings, Illinois State had not fared well against Northern Iowa, losing their last two encounters, including a narrow 84-85 defeat at home last season. This added an extra layer of motivation for the Redbirds as they sought to turn the tide in their rivalry.
The game unfolded with a tense atmosphere, reflecting the stakes involved. Illinois State's scoring was highlighted by key plays in the second half, including free throws from Johnny Kinziger and Mason Klabo, which helped maintain their lead as the game drew to a close. Northern Iowa's Max Weisbrod made a significant three-point shot late in the game, narrowing the gap, but it was not enough to overcome the Redbirds' advantage.
In terms of injuries, the block does not specify any players missing from either side, indicating that both teams were at full strength for this crucial matchup.
Overall, this game exemplified the intensity of college basketball, with Illinois State managing to secure a win against a rival team that had previously bested them. The Redbirds' ability to capitalize on their home court advantage and their recent form proved decisive in this tightly contested game.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | ILST -6.5 | 132.5 o -105 / u -115 | Northern Iowa Panthers +225 · Illinois State Redbirds -278 |
Leaders
- PointsBoden Skunberg20Illinois State Redbirds
- AssistsJohnny Kinziger2Illinois State Redbirds
- ReboundsBoden Skunberg8Illinois State Redbirds
- PointsBen Schwieger15Northern Iowa Panthers
- AssistsTrey Campbell2Northern Iowa Panthers
- ReboundsWill Hornseth7Northern Iowa Panthers
Recent form
Illinois State Redbirds
Last 10: 6-4Streak W178.6 scored · 66.8 allowed per game4-1 at home
- W88-62vs Bradley BravesJan 17
- L89-94at Indiana State SycamoresJan 15
- L59-63vs UIC FlamesJan 10
- L71-77at Valparaiso BeaconsJan 8
- W73-47vs Evansville Purple AcesJan 1
- W73-56at Drake BulldogsDec 30
- W85-65vs Indiana State SycamoresDec 21
- W75-68at Southern Illinois SalukisDec 19
- L78-83at Utah State AggiesDec 13
- W95-53vs Chicago State CougarsDec 7
Northern Iowa Panthers
Last 10: 5-5Streak L462.7 scored · 61.8 allowed per game2-3 away
- L44-54at Valparaiso BeaconsJan 17
- L61-69vs UIC FlamesJan 14
- L69-75at Bradley BravesJan 10
- L65-78vs Belmont BruinsJan 8
- W62-48at Evansville Purple AcesJan 4
- W75-66vs Indiana State SycamoresJan 2
- W58-48vs Valparaiso BeaconsDec 30
- L58-63at Saint Mary's GaelsDec 23
- W60-54at UIC FlamesDec 17
- W75-63vs Oakland Golden GrizzliesDec 13
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 | Northern Iowa Panthers | Illinois State Redbirds |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 20-57 | 18-48 |
| Field goal % | 35 | 38 |
| Three-pointers | 3-18 | 7-25 |
| Three-point % | 17 | 28 |
| Free throws | 11-14 | 16-18 |
| Free throw % | 79 | 89 |
| Rebounds | 29 | 42 |
| Offensive rebounds | 7 | 10 |
| Defensive rebounds | 22 | 32 |
| Assists | 4 | 6 |
| Steals | 5 | 5 |
| Blocks | 3 | 3 |
| Turnovers | 9 | 17 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 2 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 15 | 17 |
| Fast-break points | 3 | 8 |
| Points in the paint | 28 | 18 |
| Fouls | 18 | 14 |
| Largest lead | 2 | 13 |
| Lead changes | 3 | 3 |
| Time in front | 5 | 76 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half22-25Ty Pence makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half22-26Ty Pence makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half22-29Boden Skunberg makes 24-foot three point jumper (Ty'Reek Coleman assists)
- 2nd Half22-32Boden Skunberg makes 24-foot three point jumper (Johnny Kinziger assists)
- 2nd Half22-35Boden Skunberg makes 24-foot three pointer
- 2nd Half24-35Trey Campbell makes 17-foot pullup jump shot
- 2nd Half25-35Trey Campbell makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half26-35Trey Campbell makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half26-37Johnny Kinziger makes driving layup
- 2nd Half28-37RJ Taylor makes 20-foot pullup jump shot
- 2nd Half30-37Will Hornseth makes driving layup
- 2nd Half30-39Mason Klabo makes layup
- 2nd Half33-39Leon Bond III makes 25-foot three point jumper (Will Hornseth assists)
- 2nd Half33-41Mason Klabo makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half33-44Boden Skunberg makes 24-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half35-44Will Hornseth makes driving layup
- 2nd Half38-44Leon Bond III makes 25-foot three point jumper (Trey Campbell assists)
- 2nd Half38-46Ty'Reek Coleman makes 14-foot step back jumpshot
- 2nd Half39-46Trey Campbell makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half40-46Trey Campbell makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half40-48Chase Walker makes layup
- 2nd Half40-49Chase Walker makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half41-49Ben Schwieger makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half42-49Ben Schwieger makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half43-49Geon Hutchins makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half43-50Chase Walker makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half43-51Chase Walker makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half44-51Trey Campbell makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half44-53Johnny Kinziger makes 13-foot jumper (Chase Walker assists)
- 2nd Half46-53Ben Schwieger makes driving layup
- 2nd Half48-53Leon Bond III makes driving layup
- 2nd Half48-54Ty'Reek Coleman makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half48-55Ty'Reek Coleman makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half49-55Ben Schwieger makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half51-55Ben Schwieger makes layup
- 2nd Half51-56Johnny Kinziger makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half51-57Johnny Kinziger makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half54-57Max Weisbrod makes 24-foot three point step back jumpshot
- 2nd Half54-58Mason Klabo makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half54-59Mason Klabo makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Illinois State Redbirds, below favours Northern Iowa Panthers.
Venue
- CEFCU ArenaNormal, IL
- Attendance4312
- OfficialsRandy McCall, Tyler Kumpf, Ervin Wilson
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