Illinois State Redbirds vs Presbyterian Blue Hose Pick – 3/23/2025

The Illinois State Redbirds and the Presbyterian Blue Hose are set to face off in the first round of the College Basketball Invitational (CBI) on Sunday, March 23, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. Eastern Time. The game will take place at the Ocean Center in Daytona Beach, Florida, marking the first-ever meeting between these two programs. Both teams are eager to make a strong impression in this postseason tournament.

Illinois State Redbirds vs. Presbyterian Blue Hose Game Preview

Illinois State enters the CBI with a 19-14 record, having won four of their last six games. The Redbirds average 75.5 points per game, outscoring opponents by an average of 3.6 points. Senior guard Johnny Kinziger and sophomore forward Case Walker lead the team in scoring, each averaging 14.8 points per game. Walker also contributes significantly on the boards, pulling down an average of 6.1 rebounds per game. The team boasts a field goal percentage of 47.8%, which is 2.6 percentage points higher than the 45.2% allowed by Presbyterian's defense.

Presbyterian comes into the tournament with a 14-18 record. In their last outing, they rallied from a 14-point halftime deficit to force overtime before falling to Radford 74-69 in the Big South Tournament quarterfinals. The Blue Hose average 74.3 points per game and are led by fifth-year wing Kobe Stewart, who averages 15.3 points and 5.1 rebounds per game. Sophomore guard Kory Mincy adds 14.8 points per game and leads the Big South in assists with 4.5 per game. The team excels in three-point shooting, leading the Big South with a 36.9% success rate from beyond the arc.

Betting Insights

As of now, specific betting odds for this matchup have not been provided. However, analyzing team statistics can offer valuable insights for bettors. Illinois State's offense averages 75.5 points per game, while Presbyterian's defense allows 70.7 points per game. Conversely, Presbyterian's offense averages 74.3 points per game, with Illinois State's defense allowing 71.9 points per game. These statistics suggest a closely contested game.

Key player matchups to consider include:

• Kobe Stewart (Presbyterian): 15.3 PPG, 5.1 RPG
• Johnny Kinziger (Illinois State): 14.8 PPG, 3.8 RPG

Both players are pivotal to their respective teams' offensive strategies and could significantly influence the game's outcome.

Illinois State Redbirds vs. Presbyterian Blue Hose Prediction

Considering the statistical similarities and recent performances of both teams, this game is expected to be highly competitive. Illinois State's slightly superior offensive output and field goal percentage provide them with a marginal edge. However, Presbyterian's proficiency in three-point shooting and their demonstrated resilience in close games cannot be overlooked.

Given these factors, Illinois State is favored to win, but the margin is expected to be narrow. Bettors should anticipate a closely contested game, with the possibility of the final score being within a few points. As always, it's important to consider all variables and stay updated with any last-minute changes before making any betting decisions.

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