The N.I.T. continues Wednesday when the Illinois State Redbirds host the Kent State Golden Flashes in a MAC against MVC showdown.
My Kent State vs. Illinois State predictions expect the Redbirds to cover the number by taking away what the Golden Flashes do best.
Read on for my college basketball picks for Wednesday, March 18.
Kent State vs Illinois State prediction
Who will win Kent State vs Illinois State
The Illinois State Redbirds win this game by controlling what the Kent State Golden Flashes need to survive. The Redbirds defend the perimeter and capitalize on turnovers, while Kent State’s offense relies on volatile long-range shooting and second-chance buckets. Take Illinois State at home.
Kent State vs Illinois State best bet: Illinois State -6 (-110)
The Illinois State Redbirds take away exactly what the Kent State Golden Flashes rely on to function: free throws and made threes.
Kent State ranks third in fouls drawn per game, meeting a team averaging just 17 fouls and fewer than 16 attempts from the charity stripe in five of their last six.
KSU coming off a 1-for-23 shooting night from deep and allowing 16 ppg off turnovers against a defense allowing 28% shooting from downtown at home doesn’t inspire confidence, especially against an offense capable of scoring on Kent State’s 81 ppg defense.
COVERS INTEL: The Kent State Golden Flashes are heavily reliant on made threes, but they’ve shot below 30% from downtown in 25% of their neutral court games, and in nine of their 33 games this season. 
Kent State vs Illinois State same-game parlay
Kent State is turnover-prone, and allowing 16 ppg from turnovers will hurt them, especially early. Illinois State allows a measly 27.7 first-half points at home, and I’ll back them to cover after 20 minutes.
I’m looking at a low-scoring affair for the same reasons as the best bet. Kent State won’t get 22 free throws, and they won’t knock down 35% from downtown either.
Kent State's turnstile defense aside, the Redbirds were 13-18 to the Under this season primarily because they play slow, and because they’ve shot below 40% in nearly 30% of their games.
Kent State vs Illinois State SGP
- Illinois State -6
- Illinois State -3.5 — 1H
- Under 153.5
Kent State vs Illinois State odds
- Spread: Kent State +6.5 | Illinois State -6.5
- Moneyline: Kent State +200 | Illinois State -245
- Over/Under: Over 152.5 | Under 152.5
Kent State vs Illinois State betting trend to know
Illinois State is 10-4 ATS at home this season. Find more college basketball betting trends for Kent State vs. Illinois State.
How to watch Kent State vs Illinois State
| Location | CEFCU Arena, Normal, IL |
| Date | Wednesday, March 18, 2026 |
| Tip-off | 8:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | ESPN+ |
Kent State vs Illinois State key injuries
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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