Illinois State vs McNeese State Picks and Prediction – 11/22/2024

The Illinois State Redbirds will be in the Virgin Islands Friday night for a match up against the McNeese Cowboys. Illinois State has three wins and one loss on the year riding a three-game winning streak into Friday. The Redbirds offense has carried the team this season averaging 83.5 points on nearly 50% shooting. Defensively Illinois State has been top tier as well allowing just 65.5 points per game after giving up 52 in their last outing. For other college basketball action see our College Basketball Picks.

Johnny Kinzinger leads Illinois State this season, averaging 13 points per game. Dalton Banks averages 12.3 points and adds a team-high 4.2 assists. Ty Pence averages 12 points, while Chase Walker chips in11.5 points per game. Walker also leads Illinois State this season averaging 6.2 rebounds per contest. Jack Dougherty is fifth the team averaging 10.8 points per game despite playing just 11 minutes per contest.

The McNese Cowboys come into Friday with two wins and two losses on the year following a 7 point victory against North Texas. Offensively McNeese has been solid averaging 79 points per game on 46.4% shooting from the floor. Defensively McNeese has held their own allowing 67.5 points per game and gave up just 61 in their most recent victory.

Offensively McNeese was a better team in their last outing scoring 68 points on 44.2% shooting from the floor. McNeese also forced 15 turnovers to seal the victory. Sincere Parker is the offensive leader this season for McNeese averaging 15.5 points per game. Javohn Garcia averages 12 points and Christian Shumate chips in 8.3 points per game period Joe Charles averages 6.8 points in the team leading 7.5 rebounds. Omar Cooper is averaging just two points per game but leads the Cowboys dishing out 5.7 assists.

Illinois State is the better team in this matchup as they are stronger on both sides of the ball. Look for the Red Birds to continue their winning ways Friday night as they do enough to get the win and cover in the Virgin Islands. Take Illinois State to extend their winning streak as they do the work against the McNeese Cowboys. Final Score Prediction, Illinois State Redbirds win and cover 75-69.