The Redbirds will try to cover the spread at Redbird Arena on Sunday when they get a visit from the Norfolk State Spartans in college basketball action.

Supporters of the Spartans have watched them go 7-4 and 3-0 ATS on the year, while the Redbirds are at 6-3 and 4-2 ATS. In totals betting, the Redbirds are 2-4, while the Spartans have a 0-3 mark.



View Norfolk State vs Illinois State Odds and Stats.

Power Rankings / Prediction:
It's a betting matchup between the No. 220-rated Redbirds and the No. 75-ranked Spartans, according to the latest pro hoops power rankings here at Odds Shark. Prediction formulas run on this game indicate a possible 75-65 result in favor of the Redbirds.



How They Match Up:
Scoring and defensive stats point to some edges in this matchup. The game features Illinois State's No. 165-ranked scoring average of 68.9 PPG, against a Spartans defense rated No. 112 and allowing 63.8 PPG. The Redbirds FG% has averaged 45.8% to date this season, more than the Spartans shooters have managed so far (43.9% per game).

Comparing how these foes stack up statistically, Norfolk State owns the country's No. 119-rated mark, allowing 68 points per game on the highway. Illinois State, on the other hand, rates No. 165 in scoring at home.

Norfolk State was a 73-62 Sportsbook in their most recent outing at home against Long Island. Kyle O'Quinn scored 22 points and added 14 rebounds for a double-double, leading Norfolk State over Long Island, 73-62, on Wednesday at Echols Hall.

Last time out for Illinois State, they were a 78-73 Sportsbook as they battled Morehead State on the road. They covered in the match as a 4.5-point favorite. Jackie Carmichael scored 17 points leading the Redbirds to a 78-73 victory over Morehead State at Ellis Johnson Arena on Wednesday.


Illinois State Redbirds Trends:
When playing on Sunday are 6-4
Before playing Arkansas-Little Rock are 1-0
After playing Morehead State are 2-0
After a win are 5-5

A few Spartans at Redbirds trends to consider:
Illinois State is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games at home
Illinois State is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games


Next up:
Norfolk State at Toledo, Tuesday, December 20
Illinois State home to Arkansas-Little Rock, Tuesday, December 20