Who's Playing

Illinois State @ Northern Iowa

Current Records: Illinois State 10-11; Northern Iowa 10-9

What to Know

The Illinois State Redbirds haven't won a game against the Northern Iowa Panthers since Dec. 31 of 2019, but they'll be looking to end the drought Saturday. Illinois State and Northern Iowa will face off in a Missouri Valley battle at 2 p.m. ET at McLeod Center. The Panthers should still be riding high after a win, while the Redbirds will be looking to regain their footing.

Illinois State was just a bucket shy of a victory on Wednesday and fell 89-88 to the Drake Bulldogs. Despite the loss, Illinois State had strong showings from guard Antonio Reeves, who had 25 points, and forward Kendall Lewis, who posted a double-double on 14 points and 11 rebounds in addition to three blocks. Lewis had some trouble finding his footing against the Evansville Aces on Sunday, so this was a step in the right direction.

Meanwhile, Northern Iowa didn't have too much breathing room in their contest with Evansville on Wednesday, but they still walked away with a 64-59 victory. The top scorer for the Panthers was guard AJ Green (18 points).

The Redbirds are expected to lose this next one by 9.5. However, those who like betting on the underdog should be happy to hear that they are 6-3 against the spread when expected to lose.

Illinois State was within striking distance but couldn't close the gap when the two teams previously met in March of last year as they fell 65-60 to Northern Iowa. The defeat knocked Illinois State out of the playoffs, so expect them to come at Northern Iowa with a vengeful fire.

How To Watch

  • When: Saturday at 2 p.m. ET
  • Where: McLeod Center -- Cedar Falls, Iowa
  • Online streaming: fuboTV (Try for free. Regional restrictions may apply.)
  • Follow: CBS Sports App
  • Ticket Cost: $43.96

Odds

The Panthers are a big 9.5-point favorite against the Redbirds, according to the latest college basketball odds.

The oddsmakers were right in line with the betting community on this one, as the game opened as a 9.5-point spread, and stayed right there.

Over/Under: -109

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Series History

Northern Iowa have won seven out of their last 13 games against Illinois State.

  • Mar 04, 2021 - Northern Iowa 65 vs. Illinois State 60
  • Feb 27, 2021 - Northern Iowa 94 vs. Illinois State 87
  • Feb 26, 2021 - Northern Iowa 70 vs. Illinois State 56
  • Feb 12, 2020 - Northern Iowa 71 vs. Illinois State 63
  • Dec 31, 2019 - Illinois State 76 vs. Northern Iowa 70
  • Feb 13, 2019 - Northern Iowa 77 vs. Illinois State 64
  • Jan 08, 2019 - Illinois State 70 vs. Northern Iowa 69
  • Feb 17, 2018 - Illinois State 79 vs. Northern Iowa 75
  • Jan 24, 2018 - Northern Iowa 83 vs. Illinois State 72
  • Feb 25, 2017 - Illinois State 63 vs. Northern Iowa 42
  • Feb 01, 2017 - Illinois State 57 vs. Northern Iowa 51
  • Feb 20, 2016 - Northern Iowa 75 vs. Illinois State 66
  • Jan 23, 2016 - Illinois State 76 vs. Northern Iowa 67

Injury Report for Northern Iowa

No Injury Information

Injury Report for Illinois State

  • Sy Chatman: Out for the Season (Knee)