The Illinois State Redbirds (17-10, 9-7 MVC) host the Murray State Racers (19-9, 11-6 MVC) in a matchup of MVC teams at CEFCU Arena, tipping off at 9 p.m. ET on Wednesday, February 18, 2026. The Redbirds are 2.5-point favorites in the game. The matchup has an over/under of 158.5.
Check out all the Latest NCAA Basketball Betting Previews!
Illinois State Cover -2.5 vs Murray State -105
Illinois State vs. Murray State betting lines
- Illinois State moneyline odds to win: -141
- Murray State moneyline odds to win: +116
- Spread: Illinois State (-2.5)
- Total: 158.5
Illinois State statistics, trends and more
As the home team
- Against the spread, Illinois State has fared better when playing at home, covering eight times in 12 home games, and three times in 10 road games.
- In terms of over/unders, the Redbirds hit the over more often when playing at home, as they’ve eclipsed the total five times in 12 opportunities this season (41.7%). On the road, they have hit the over four times in 10 opportunities (40%).
- As a moneyline favorite, Illinois State has won a higher percentage of its games at home (.833) compared to away games (.400).
Recent trends
- The Redbirds’ offense has been less productive over their last 10 games, scoring 73.3 points a contest compared to the 76.4 they’ve averaged this year.
- The last 10 games have seen Illinois State give up 3.9 more points per game (72.0) than its season-long average (68.1).
- Over their last 10 outings, the Redbirds are making 0.2 more three-pointers per game than their season long average (8.8 compared to 8.6 season-long), while shooting a lower percentage from deep in that span (34.9% compared to 35.0% season-long).
Illinois State betting records this season
- ATS Record: 14-12-0 (Home: 8-4-0; Away: 3-7-0)
- ATS Record When Favored by 2.5+: 11-8-0 (As Favorite: 11-8-0; As Underdog: 3-4-0)
- O-U-P: 11-15-0 (Home: 5-7-0; Away: 4-6-0)
- Record When Moneyline Favorite: 14-5 (Home: 10-2; Away: 2-3)
- Record When Moneyline Underdog: 2-5 (Home: 0-0; Away: 2-3)
| Field Goal % | Opp. Field Goal % | Rebounds | Opp. Rebounds | Assists | Turnovers |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 46.9 (82nd in nation) | 42.7 (98th) | 34.0 (84th) | 29.6 (93rd) | 13.7 (195th) | 10.6 (133rd) |
Need to know more about sports betting before you put down a wager on Illinois State vs. Murray State? Here’s everything you need to know about how to bet.
Murray State statistics, trends and more
As the away team
- This year, Murray State is 8-6-0 at home against the spread (.571 winning percentage). On the road, it is 3-6-0 ATS (.333).
- In terms of the over/under, Racers games have finished over five of 14 times at home (35.7%), and six of nine away (66.7%).
- The Racers’ winning percentage at home as moneyline underdogs is .000, both at home (0-1) and away (0-2).
Recent trends
- The Racers are posting 77.8 points per game in their last 10 games, which is 6.5 fewer points than their average for the season (84.3).
- Murray State is giving up 83.9 points per contest over its past 10 games, compared to its season average of 79.5 points allowed.
- Over their previous 10 games, the Racers are sinking 7.8 threes per contest, 1.7 fewer threes than their season average (9.5). They also have a lower three-point percentage over their previous 10 contests (29.9%) compared to their season average (34.8%).
Murray State betting records this season
- ATS Record: 14-14-0 (Home: 8-6-0; Away: 3-6-0)
- ATS Record When Underdog by 2.5+: 2-3-0 (As Favorite: 12-10-0; As Underdog: 2-4-0)
- O-U-P: 15-13-0 (Home: 5-9-0; Away: 6-3-0)
- Record When Moneyline Favorite: 16-5 (Home: 10-2; Away: 5-2)
- Record When Moneyline Underdog: 2-4 (Home: 0-1; Away: 0-2)
| Field Goal % | Opp. Field Goal % | Rebounds | Opp. Rebounds | Assists | Turnovers |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 46.8 (90th in nation) | 46.6 (304th) | 34.5 (63rd) | 31.3 (198th) | 13.8 (187th) | 11.8 (253rd) |

BetDecider Team
The BetDecider team brings you the most current sports betting content, with expert insights and tips. Our aim is that you can make an informed betting decision, including best odds and exclusive sportsbook offers, to maximize your betting experience.


