Illinois State Redbirds vs Wake Forest Demon Deacons Picks and Predictions for Sunday March 22 2026
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The Illinois State Redbirds and Wake Forest Demon Deacons meet in the NIT – 2nd Round at LJVM Coliseum in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, on Sunday, March 22, 2026, at 4:30 PM ET, with the game airing on ESPN2. Wake Forest enters this matchup as a 7.5-point favorite, with the total set at 149.5. This matchup features an Illinois State team that impressed defensively in the first round against a Wake Forest squad that relies heavily on offensive production and home-court advantage. Be sure to check out our free college basketball picks for more expert insights on today’s games.
Illinois State Redbirds: Defense and Discipline on the Rise
Illinois State enters this contest with a 21-12 overall record and has shown resilience despite a challenging road record of 5-7 away from home. In NIT action, the Redbirds advanced with a strong 79-58 win over Kent State. Looking at recent form, Illinois State has recently won over Kent State, recently lost to Northern Iowa, recently won over Belmont, recently won over Northern Iowa, and recently lost to Bradley. This stretch shows a team that can bounce back from losses and deliver strong performances when it matters most.
From a statistical standpoint, Illinois State averages 75.2 points per game while allowing just 68.1, indicating a solid defensive foundation. They shoot 47% from the field and average 35.9 rebounds and 13.7 assists per game. Defensively, they contribute 5.8 steals and 2.3 blocks per contest, showing a disciplined approach that limits opponents’ scoring opportunities. Their ability to control tempo and play efficient basketball has been a key factor in their success.
In their first-round victory, Illinois State leaned on balanced scoring and strong defensive execution. Landon Wolf led the team with 24 points and also contributed 7 rebounds, leading the team in both categories. The Redbirds held Kent State to just 33% shooting from the field and forced them into difficult shots throughout the game. Illinois State also limited turnovers to just four, which is a major advantage in tournament play. Their ability to take care of the basketball and play disciplined defense could be crucial against a Wake Forest team that thrives on creating offensive opportunities.
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Wake Forest Demon Deacons: Offensive Firepower at Home
Wake Forest enters this matchup with an 18-16 overall record and a strong 13-6 mark at home, where they have been particularly effective. In NIT action, the Demon Deacons advanced with an 82-72 win over Navy. Over their last five games, Wake Forest has recently won over Navy, recently lost to Clemson, recently won over Virginia Tech, recently won over California, and recently lost to Virginia. This mixed stretch reflects a team that can score at a high level but has struggled with consistency at times.
Statistically, Wake Forest averages 78.9 points per game while allowing 76.9, showing a more offense-oriented approach. They shoot 45% from the field and average 33.2 rebounds and 14.4 assists per game. Defensively, they contribute 7.7 steals and 3.5 blocks per contest, but their higher points allowed total suggests they can be vulnerable, particularly against disciplined teams.
In their opening-round win, Wake Forest relied heavily on offensive efficiency and strong free-throw shooting. Juke Harris led the way with 26 points while also contributing 5 assists, and Tre’Von Spillers controlled the boards with 9 rebounds. The Demon Deacons shot 48% from the field and an impressive 95% from the free-throw line, which proved to be a decisive factor. Their ability to convert at the line and capitalize on scoring opportunities will be critical in this matchup, especially against a defensively sound Illinois State team. Playing at home should also provide a significant boost in energy and confidence.
Illinois State Redbirds vs Wake Forest Demon Deacons Pick
Illinois State Redbirds vs Wake Forest Demon Deacons Spread Pick
- Pick: Wake Forest -7.5
Wake Forest’s offensive firepower and home-court advantage give them a clear edge in this matchup. While Illinois State is disciplined and strong defensively, they may struggle to keep pace with Wake Forest’s scoring ability, especially on the road. The Demon Deacons’ ability to get to the free-throw line and convert at a high rate should help them build and maintain a lead. I expect Wake Forest to control the tempo and cover the spread.
Illinois State Redbirds vs Wake Forest Demon Deacons Total Pick
- Pick: Over 149.5
I like the over in this matchup because Wake Forest’s style of play typically leads to higher-scoring games. Illinois State may try to slow things down, but Wake Forest’s pace and offensive efficiency should push the total higher. I expect both teams to find scoring opportunities, particularly with Wake Forest playing at home and Illinois State capable of contributing enough offense to support the over.
Final Score Prediction: Wake Forest 82, Illinois State 72
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