Friday’s contest that pits the McNeese Cowboys (2-2) against the Illinois State Redbirds (3-1) at Virgin Islands Sport & Fitness Center has a projected final score of 75-68 (based on our computer prediction) in favor of McNeese, who is the favorite in this matchup by our model. Tipoff is at 3:00 PM ET on November 22.

Based on our computer prediction, Illinois State projects to cover the 8.5-point spread in its matchup against McNeese. The total is currently listed at 137.5, and the two teams are projected to exceed it.

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McNeese vs. Illinois State Game Info & Odds

• Date: Friday, November 22, 2024
• Time: 3:00 PM ET
• TV: ESPN Networks
• Where: Charlotte Amalie, Virgin Islands
• Venue: Virgin Islands Sport & Fitness Center
• Line: McNeese -8.5
• Point total: 137.5
• Moneyline (to win): McNeese -400, Illinois State +310

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McNeese vs. Illinois State Score Prediction

• Prediction:
  McNeese 75, Illinois State 68

Spread & Total Prediction for McNeese vs. Illinois State

• Pick ATS: Illinois State (+8.5)
• Pick OU: Over (137.5)

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McNeese Performance Insights

• Offensively, McNeese was the 38th-ranked team in the nation (80 points per game) last season. On defense, it was fifth-best (62.2 points conceded per game).
• With 33.2 rebounds per game and 30.1 rebounds allowed, the Cowboys were 113th and 95th in the country, respectively, last season.
• At 14.9 assists per game last season, McNeese was 70th in the country.
• Beyond the arc, the Cowboys were 159th in the country in 3-pointers made per game (7.6) last year. They were ninth-best in 3-point percentage at 38.3%.
• McNeese gave up 8 3-pointers per game and conceded 31.3% from beyond the arc last season, ranking 270th and 41st, respectively, in the country.
• Last year, McNeese attempted 66.4% of its shots from inside the 3-point line, and 33.6% from beyond it. In terms of made shots, 73.6% of McNeese’s baskets were 2-pointers, and 26.4% were 3-pointers.

Illinois State Performance Insights

• With 66.5 points per game on offense, Illinois State ranked 328th in the country last year. At the other end of the court, it allowed 67.7 points per contest, which ranked 63rd in college basketball.
• The Redbirds averaged 31.8 rebounds per game (194th-ranked in college basketball). They ceded 29.9 rebounds per contest (77th-ranked).
• Last season Illinois State ranked 242nd in college basketball in assists, delivering 12.4 per game.
• The Redbirds averaged 11 turnovers per game (153rd-ranked in college basketball). They forced 10.2 turnovers per contest (280th-ranked).
• The Redbirds ranked 12th-worst in college basketball with a 29.2% shooting percentage from three-point land. Meanwhile, they sank 6.1 threes per game (309th-ranked in college basketball).
• With 7.2 threes conceded per game, Illinois State was 160th in the nation. It gave up a 32.6% shooting percentage from three-point land, which ranked 112th in college basketball.
• Last season Illinois State took 62% two-pointers, accounting for 73.9% of the team’s buckets. It shot 38% from beyond the arc (26.1% of the team’s baskets).

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