Indiana State vs Evansville Picks and Prediction – 1/4/2025

Indiana State Sycamores (8-6, 2-1 MVC) face off against the Evansville Purple Aces (5-9, 2-1 MVC) on January 4, at the Ford Center. Indiana State is coming off a narrow 90-89 overtime loss to Bradley, while Evansville secured a dominant 68-53 win over Southern Illinois. Both teams are tied in conference play, setting the stage for a competitive matchup. Slam dunk your bets with our College Basketball picks.

Indiana State’s offense has been a highlight this season, averaging 84.6 points per game on an efficient 49.4% shooting from the field. Guard Samage Teel leads the Sycamores, scoring 17.7 points per game while shooting 56.7% from the floor and 76.9% from the free-throw line. Markus Harding provides inside presence, averaging 4.9 rebounds per game, while Teel is the playmaker with 4.4 assists per contest. Indiana State is dangerous from beyond the arc, making 3-pointers at a high rate and racking up 16.4 assists per game.

Defensively, Indiana State has struggled, allowing 77.7 points per game. Despite averaging 7.6 steals, the inability to protect the paint has led to defensive lapses. Harding leads the team with 0.5 blocks per game, and Teel’s 1.5 steals provide some defensive pressure. The Sycamores will need to tighten the defense to avoid allowing Evansville’s scorers to get hot, especially after conceding over 100 points in a recent road loss to Ohio State.

Evansville’s offense has been less explosive, averaging 65.1 points per game while shooting 41.8% from the field. Guard Cam Haffner leads the Purple Aces with 13.3 points per game, while Tanner Cuff chips in with 6.4 rebounds and provides second-chance opportunities. Tayshawn Comer directs the offense with 3.4 assists per game and is coming off a 26-point performance that could give him confidence heading into this matchup. Evansville’s slower-paced offense relies on ball control and limiting turnovers to stay competitive.

On defense, Evansville has been solid, allowing 70.4 points per game and leading Indiana State in both blocks (4.5 per game) and steals (6.6 per game). Forward Connor Turnbull anchors the interior, averaging 1.4 blocks per contest, while Cuff adds 1.4 steals to disrupt passing lanes. 

Indiana State’s offensive firepower should be the deciding factor in this contest. While Evansville has shown recent improvement, the Sycamores’ ability to push the pace and score in bunches will overwhelm Evansville’s defense. Look for Teel to lead the way with scoring and playmaking, while Harding controls the boards. Final Score Prediction: Indiana State wins 82-70