Illinois State heads to Athens, Ohio, this Thursday to face the Ohio Bobcats. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. EST, and it’s shaping up to be a fun one.
The Bobcats are still reeling from a tough 89-85 loss to Arkansas State. Aidan Hadaway put up a wild 28 points in that game, but it just wasn’t enough.
Last year, Ohio wrapped up the season at 16-16 overall. They were a different beast at home, though, finishing 12-3 in their own gym.
Illinois State, on the other hand, went 22-14 overall. Their road record? Not so hot—just 5-7 away from home.
There’s a lot of anticipation for this matchup. Both teams want to kick off their season with a statement win.
Ohio Bobcats’ Home Advantage
Ohio’s been tough to beat at home, plain and simple. That 12-3 record last season speaks for itself.
They shot nearly 47% from the field and hit 35.8% from deep, making them a real threat for any visiting squad. It’s hard not to notice how comfortable they look with their own fans behind them.
Key Player: Aidan Hadaway
Aidan Hadaway’s name is one you’ll be hearing a lot. His 28-point explosion against Arkansas State turned heads.
He’s not just a scorer—he’s the guy Ohio leans on when things get tight. If the Bobcats are going to pull this one out, Hadaway probably needs another big night.
Illinois State Redbirds’ Road Challenges
Illinois State’s overall record last season was solid, but the road games were a different story. That 5-7 away record doesn’t exactly inspire confidence.
Still, they’ve got some real scoring punch. Averaging 75.8 points per game isn’t something you just ignore.
Scoring Breakdown
The Redbirds do a little bit of everything on offense. They get 29.2 points per game in the paint, 12.9 off turnovers, and 6.7 from fast breaks.
This kind of variety makes them tricky to guard. If they start forcing turnovers, watch out—things could get wild in a hurry.
Betting Insights
BetMGM Sportsbook has Illinois State as a slight favorite, giving them a -1.5 point edge. The over/under is sitting at 158.5, so folks are expecting a lot of points.
If you’re thinking about betting, you might want to look at both teams’ scoring history—and maybe their defensive lapses, too.
Ohio’s Defensive Strength
Ohio’s defense is going to matter a lot here. Last season, they did a decent job holding opponents to average shooting numbers.
If the Bobcats can mess with Illinois State’s rhythm, that could swing things in their favor.
Final Thoughts
The Illinois State Redbirds are heading over to face the Ohio Bobcats. This one’s shaping up to be an interesting matchup, with both teams bringing their own style and energy.
Whether you live and breathe basketball or just tune in now and then, there’s a good chance you’ll catch some memorable moments. If you want more details or the latest updates, check out the full article on Fox Sports.
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