The Illinois State Redbirds will play against the Auburn Tigers in the NIT Tournament. This game will take place at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, IN. The game is scheduled for Thursday, April 2, 2026, at 9:30 PM ET and will be broadcast on ESPN.
Illinois State has had a strong postseason run. They have won games against Presbyterian, Incarnate Word, and Cleveland State. The Redbirds finished the 2026 regular season with a 20-12 overall record and a 12-9 record in the Missouri Valley Conference.
Auburn had a mixed regular season with a 17-16 overall record and an 8-12 record in the Southeastern Conference. In the 2025 postseason, Auburn reached the Final Four but lost to Florida. They had victories over Alabama State, Creighton, Michigan, and Michigan State before that loss.
Auburn Preview
The Auburn Tigers play in the Southeastern Conference. In the 2025 postseason, they had a strong run. They won four games in the South Region. They beat Alabama State, Creighton, Michigan, and Michigan State. Their journey ended in the Final Four against Florida.
In the 2026 regular season, the Tigers had a record of 17-16. Their conference record was 8-12. They scored an average of 82.7 points per game. They were ranked 50th in points per game. They also had a high number of free throws made per game, ranking 5th.
The Tigers’ postseason stats in 2026 showed improvement. They scored 81.3 points per game, ranking 23rd. Their field goal percentage was 46.1, which ranked 30th. They also had a strong 3-point game, making 10.3 per game, ranking 25th.
Key players contributed to the team’s performance. Keyshawn Hall led with 19.8 points per game in the regular season. Kevin Overton and Tahaad Pettiford also scored in double digits. In the postseason, Hall, Overton, and Freeman were top scorers. Their efforts helped the team in crucial games.
Illinois State Preview
The Illinois State Redbirds play in the Missouri Valley Conference. In the 2026 regular season, they had an overall record of 20-12. Their conference record was 12-9. This shows they had a solid season with more wins than losses.
During the 2025 postseason, the Redbirds won three games. They defeated Presbyterian 78-70, Incarnate Word 78-73, and Cleveland State 79-68. These victories highlight their strong performance in postseason play.
Offensively, the Redbirds averaged 75.1 points per game in the 2026 regular season. They had a field goal percentage of 46.7 and made 8.6 three-pointers per game. Their effective field goal percentage was 54.2, showing they were efficient shooters.
On defense, the Redbirds averaged 5.7 steals and 2.3 blocks per game. They had 11.1 turnovers per game, which is a low number. This indicates they were careful with the ball and played solid defense.
Statistical Breakdown for Auburn vs Illinois State
The game between the Auburn Tigers and Illinois State Redbirds will be influenced by several key stats. Auburn’s high scoring average and strong free throw performance could give them an edge. Illinois State’s efficient shooting and low turnover rate are strengths. Both teams have solid postseason stats, which may impact the outcome.
- Auburn Tigers Points Per Game: 82.7 (50th)
- Auburn Tigers Free Throws Made Per Game: 19.9 (5th)
- Illinois State Redbirds Field Goal Percentage: 46.7 (90th)
- Illinois State Redbirds Turnovers Per Game: 11.1 (444th)
- Auburn Tigers Postseason Points Per Game: 81.3 (23rd)
- Illinois State Redbirds Postseason 3PT Made Per Game: 9.7 (35th)
Betting Insights
The Illinois State Redbirds and Auburn Tigers are set for an exciting game. Betting trends from last season give us insights into how these teams might perform. The Redbirds had a strong record as underdogs, while the Tigers showed strength overall. Let’s dive into the top trends to consider for this game.
- Illinois State is 13-3 ATS as an underdog.
- Auburn is 25-4 SU as a favorite.
- Illinois State has a 62.5% SU record as a favorite.
- Auburn has a 60.6% O/U record in all games.
- Illinois State’s O/U record is 62.5% in all games.
Free Betting Prediction for Auburn vs Illinois State
The Auburn Tigers have a strong scoring ability, averaging 82.7 points per game. Their high free throw success could be key in this game. Keyshawn Hall and his teammates have shown they can perform well in important games. Auburn’s postseason stats also indicate they can maintain their scoring against tough opponents.
Illinois State Redbirds have efficient shooting and a low turnover rate. These strengths help them stay competitive. Their record as underdogs is impressive, with a 13-3 ATS. This suggests they can perform well even when not favored. Their defense, with 5.7 steals per game, could challenge Auburn’s offense.
Considering the strengths of both teams, Auburn’s scoring and free throw ability might give them an edge. However, Illinois State’s efficiency and strong underdog record make them a formidable opponent. The game could be closer than expected, but Auburn is likely to win. The spread of -7.5 for Auburn seems reasonable.
- Our Free Prediction: Auburn -7.5
