Illinois State vs. Cleveland State Picks and Prediction – 3/26/2025

Illinois State Redbirds (21-14) vs. Cleveland State Vikings (22-12)
Time: 5:00 PM ET
Location: Ocean Center, Daytona Beach, FL
Game: Purple CBI Championship TV: ESPN2

Previous Games:

  • Illinois State: Coming off a 78-73 win vs. Incarnate Word

  • Cleveland State: Coming off a 72-65 win vs. Florida Gulf Coast

Illinois State Breakdown:

The Redbirds secured a 5-point victory against Incarnate Word in the semifinals, scoring 47 points in the second half to come from behind. Chase Walker led the charge with 27 points, while Ty Pence provided a solid bench performance with 15 points. Illinois State's offense was strong, shooting 43.6% from the floor and putting up 78 points, with a solid defensive showing as well, holding Incarnate Word to 39.7% shooting. Over their last five games, Illinois State has been on a strong offensive run, averaging 78 points per game.

Key Players:

  • Chase Walker: 27 points vs. Incarnate Word

  • Ty Pence: 15 points off the bench

Cleveland State Breakdown:

Cleveland State enters the championship game after a 7-point victory over Florida Gulf Coast, where Tahj Staveskie led the starters with 16 points, while Je’Shawn Stevenson came off the bench to contribute 17 points. Cleveland State’s defense held Florida Gulf Coast to 65 points on 45.6% shooting and managed to win the rebounding battle despite a 5-rebound deficit. Offensively, the Vikings shot 37.7% from the floor, hitting 6 three-pointers. Cleveland State’s defense is solid, but their offense has been inconsistent at times.

Key Players:

  • Tahj Staveskie: 16 points vs. Florida Gulf Coast

  • Je’Shawn Stevenson: 17 points off the bench

  • Dylan Arnett: 7 points, 6 rebounds

Betting Trends:

Illinois State:

  • 3-6 ATS in their last 9 games

  • The total has gone OVER in 13 of their last 18 games

  • 5-2 SU in their last 7 games

Cleveland State:

  • 3-6 ATS in their last 9 games

  • The total has gone UNDER in 7 of their last 10 games

  • 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games

Exact Score Prediction:

Cleveland State 76 – Illinois State 63

Our Best Bet:

Cleveland State -1.5

With a more consistent defensive effort and a balanced offense led by Staveskie and Stevenson, Cleveland State should finish strong in the CBI Championship and cover the spread against Illinois State.

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