Northern Iowa Panthers Defeat Illinois State Redbirds 74-52
Friday, March 6, 2026, 10:25 PM ET · Enterprise Center
Northern Iowa Panthers 74, Illinois State Redbirds 52, 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?
Northern Iowa Panthers beat Illinois State Redbirds 74-52 at Enterprise Center on March 6, 2026.
Who was favored in Northern Iowa Panthers vs Illinois State Redbirds?
Northern Iowa Panthers were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -130 (about 57% implied). The favorite won.
In a decisive matchup, the Northern Iowa Panthers triumphed over the Illinois State Redbirds with a final score of 74-52 at the Enterprise Center. This victory not only showcased Northern Iowa's strength but also marked a significant moment in their season, as they improved their record to 21-12, while Illinois State fell to 20-12.
Both teams entered the game with distinct recent forms. Illinois State had a record of 6-4 in their last ten games, currently riding a two-game winning streak. They averaged 71.8 points scored while allowing 70.8 points during this stretch. Their recent performances included a notable win against the Belmont Bruins, where they secured an 81-74 victory on March 1, and a previous encounter with Northern Iowa, which they won 71-69 on February 26. However, their home record stood at 4-1, indicating a solid performance at home despite their overall mixed results.
On the other hand, Northern Iowa was in better form, boasting a 7-3 record in their last ten games and also on a two-game winning streak. They averaged 74.3 points scored while allowing only 61.9 points. Their recent victories included a solid win against the Evansville Purple Aces, where they won 68-59 on March 6, and a commanding 75-53 win against the Drake Bulldogs on March 1. Northern Iowa's away record was 3-1, demonstrating their capability to perform well outside their home venue.
The historical context of this matchup added intrigue, as the two teams had split their previous four encounters, each winning two games. In the most recent meeting prior to this game, Illinois State edged out Northern Iowa 71-69, but the Panthers had previously claimed victory in their earlier clash of the season, winning 59-54 on January 22.
In terms of injuries, the block did not specify any players missing from either squad, suggesting both teams were at full strength for this important game.
Betting lines from DraftKings indicated Northern Iowa as the favorites, with a spread of 1.5 points and a moneyline of -130, while Illinois State had a moneyline of +110. The total for the game was set at 130.5, reflecting expectations for a moderately low-scoring affair.
As for the conditions during the game, the block did not provide specific details, but the venue at the Enterprise Center typically offers a neutral environment conducive to competitive basketball.
Viewers were treated to a display of Northern Iowa's efficient scoring, particularly in the second half, where they pulled away decisively. Key moments included Landon Moore's free throw that pushed the score to 66-48 and a layup by Leon Bond III that extended the lead to 68-48. Northern Iowa's ability to maintain control and capitalize on scoring opportunities was evident as they continued to build their lead, ultimately sealing the game with a final score of 74-52.
This matchup highlighted the contrasting trajectories of both teams as the season progressed, with Northern Iowa asserting their dominance and Illinois State facing challenges in maintaining momentum.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | UNI -1.5 | 130.5 o -108 / u -112 | Northern Iowa Panthers -130 · Illinois State Redbirds +110 |
Leaders
- PointsChase Walker11Illinois State Redbirds
- AssistsJohnny Kinziger3Illinois State Redbirds
- ReboundsTy Pence6Illinois State Redbirds
- PointsLeon Bond III19Northern Iowa Panthers
- AssistsWill Hornseth6Northern Iowa Panthers
- ReboundsBen Schwieger8Northern Iowa Panthers
Recent form
Illinois State Redbirds
Last 10: 6-4Streak W271.8 scored · 70.8 allowed per game4-1 at home
- 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
- W70-65at Murray State RacersJan 29
Northern Iowa Panthers
Last 10: 7-3Streak W274.3 scored · 61.9 allowed per game3-1 away
- W68-59vs Evansville Purple AcesMar 6
- W75-53at Drake BulldogsMar 1
- L69-71vs Illinois State RedbirdsFeb 26
- L57-59vs Southern Illinois SalukisFeb 21
- W81-60at Indiana State SycamoresFeb 19
- W86-62vs Drake BulldogsFeb 15
- L86-91at Belmont BruinsFeb 13
- W89-60at Murray State RacersFeb 10
- W61-49vs Bradley BravesFeb 7
- W71-55vs Evansville Purple AcesJan 31
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 | 29-54 | 15-46 |
| Field goal % | 54 | 33 |
| Three-pointers | 8-19 | 3-20 |
| Three-point % | 42 | 15 |
| Free throws | 8-11 | 19-28 |
| Free throw % | 73 | 68 |
| Rebounds | 35 | 26 |
| Offensive rebounds | 8 | 8 |
| Defensive rebounds | 27 | 18 |
| Assists | 21 | 8 |
| Steals | 4 | 7 |
| Blocks | 3 | 3 |
| Turnovers | 12 | 10 |
| Team turnovers | 1 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 9 | 10 |
| Fast-break points | 0 | 4 |
| Points in the paint | 34 | 18 |
| Fouls | 25 | 15 |
| Largest lead | 22 | 0 |
| Lead changes | 0 | 0 |
| Time in front | 99 | 0 |
How the scoring went
- 1st Half33-27Johnny Kinziger makes layup (Landon Wolf assists)
- 1st Half35-27Will Hornseth makes 16-foot jumper (RJ Taylor assists)
- 2nd Half37-27Leon Bond III makes layup (Will Hornseth assists)
- 2nd Half40-27Leon Bond III makes 24-foot three point jumper (Tristan Smith assists)
- 2nd Half40-28Chase Walker makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half40-29Chase Walker makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half40-31Chase Walker makes driving layup (Mason Klabo assists)
- 2nd Half42-31Will Hornseth makes layup
- 2nd Half42-32Chase Walker makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half44-32Max Weisbrod makes driving layup
- 2nd Half44-33Ty'Reek Coleman makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half44-34Ty'Reek Coleman makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half46-34Ben Schwieger makes 1-foot dunk
- 2nd Half47-34Tristan Smith makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half49-34Trey Campbell makes layup
- 2nd Half49-37Landon Wolf makes 23-foot three point jumper (Ty'Reek Coleman assists)
- 2nd Half52-37RJ Taylor makes 26-foot three point jumper (Ben Schwieger assists)
- 2nd Half54-37Leon Bond III makes 0-foot dunk
- 2nd Half54-39Johnny Kinziger makes driving layup
- 2nd Half54-40Johnny Kinziger makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half54-41Johnny Kinziger makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half56-41Trey Campbell makes 17-foot pullup jump shot
- 2nd Half56-43Boden Skunberg makes 6-foot jumper
- 2nd Half59-43RJ Taylor makes 24-foot three point jumper (Will Hornseth assists)
- 2nd Half61-43Ben Schwieger makes 0-foot tip in dunk
- 2nd Half61-44Chase Walker makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half61-45Chase Walker makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half64-45Ben Schwieger makes 23-foot three point jumper (RJ Taylor assists)
- 2nd Half64-46Mason Klabo makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half64-47Mason Klabo makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half65-47Tristan Smith makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half66-47Tristan Smith makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half66-48Landon Moore makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half68-48Leon Bond III makes layup (Max Weisbrod assists)
- 2nd Half68-50Ty Pence makes 12-foot floating jump shot
- 2nd Half70-50Leon Bond III makes layup (Max Weisbrod assists)
- 2nd Half70-52Ty Pence makes driving layup
- 2nd Half72-52Tristan Smith makes 1-foot dunk
- 2nd Half73-52Tristan Smith makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half74-52Tristan Smith makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Illinois State Redbirds, below favours Northern Iowa Panthers.
Venue
- Enterprise CenterSt. Louis, MO
- Attendance8897
- OfficialsRandy Heimerman, Kipp Kissinger, Ed Crenshaw Jr.
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