The Northern Iowa Panthers (12-7, 4-4 MVC) are 6.5-point underdogs as they attempt to break a four-game losing streak when they visit the Illinois State Redbirds (13-6, 5-3 MVC) on Wednesday, January 21, 2026 at CEFCU Arena. The contest airs at 9 p.m. ET on ESPNU. The matchup’s point total is set at 132.
Check out all the Latest NCAA Basketball Betting Previews!
Illinois State Cover -6.5 vs Northern Iowa -110
Illinois State vs. Northern Iowa betting lines
- Illinois State moneyline odds to win: -294
- Northern Iowa moneyline odds to win: +236
- Spread: Illinois State (-6.5)
- Total: 132
Illinois State statistics, trends and more
As the home team
- Illinois State has done a better job covering the spread in home games (6-2-0) than it has in road games (2-4-0).
- In terms of point totals, the Redbirds hit the over less often at home, as they’ve gone over the total three times in eight opportunities this season (37.5%). In away games, they have hit the over three times in six opportunities (50%).
- Illinois State has fared better as a moneyline favorite in home games, posting a home record of 7-1, compared to going 2-2 away from home.
Recent trends
- In their last 10 games, the Redbirds have been racking up 78.6 points per contest, an average that’s a little lower than the 79.3 they’ve scored over the course of the 2025-26 season.
- Illinois State has been more stingy on defense as of late, giving up 66.8 points per game during its last 10 outings compared to the 67.1 points per game its opponents average in the 2025-26 season.
- The Redbirds’ last 10 contests have seen them make 8.5 three-pointers per game while shooting 35.6% from beyond the arc. Both numbers are below their 2025-26 averages of 8.6 makes and 35.9%.
Illinois State betting records this season
- ATS Record: 11-7-0 (Home: 6-2-0; Away: 2-4-0)
- ATS Record When Favored by 6.5+: 5-5-0 (As Favorite: 9-5-0; As Underdog: 2-2-0)
- O-U-P: 8-10-0 (Home: 3-5-0; Away: 3-3-0)
- Record When Moneyline Favorite: 11-3 (Home: 7-1; Away: 2-2)
- Record When Moneyline Underdog: 1-3 (Home: 0-0; Away: 1-1)
| Field Goal % | Opp. Field Goal % | Rebounds | Opp. Rebounds | Assists | Turnovers |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 48.5 (43rd in nation) | 41.6 (68th) | 34.4 (95th) | 29.0 (71st) | 13.9 (202nd) | 10.1 (67th) |
Need to know more about sports betting before you put down a wager on Illinois State vs. Northern Iowa? Here’s everything you need to know about how to bet.
Northern Iowa statistics, trends and more
As the away team
- This year, Northern Iowa is 3-7-0 at home against the spread (.300 winning percentage). On the road, it is 3-2-0 ATS (.600).
- Looking at the over/under, Panthers games have gone over 40% of the time this year, both at home (four of 10) and away (two of five).
Recent trends
- While the Panthers are averaging 67.8 points per game in 2025-26, they have fallen short of that over their previous 10 games, amassing 62.7 points per contest.
- Northern Iowa is allowing 61.8 points per game over its last 10 games, which is 2.1 more points than it is allowing for the season (59.7).
- The Panthers are making 1.0 fewer treys per game in their past 10 games (6.8) compared to their season average (7.8), and they are putting up a worse three-point percentage over their past 10 contests (31.2%) compared to their season mark (33.7%).
Northern Iowa betting records this season
- ATS Record: 7-10-0 (Home: 3-7-0; Away: 3-2-0)
- O-U-P: 6-11-0 (Home: 4-6-0; Away: 2-3-0)
- Record When Moneyline Favorite: 10-5 (Home: 7-3; Away: 2-1)
- Record When Moneyline Underdog: 1-1 (Home: 0-0; Away: 1-1)
| Field Goal % | Opp. Field Goal % | Rebounds | Opp. Rebounds | Assists | Turnovers |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 45.1 (197th in nation) | 39.7 (25th) | 29.4 (316th) | 32.1 (240th) | 15.1 (119th) | 8.7 (fourth) |
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.
