Illinois State Redbirds vs Long Beach State 49ers Prediction and Picks - November 16, 2025
Missouri Valley Conference vs Big West College hoops action on Sunday evening, and we have an Illinois State vs Long Beach State prediction ready to rock and roll. The Redbirds enter this game off an 87-67 road loss to USC to fall to 1-2 on the year. Long Beach State comes in at 0-3 on the year and they are off a 69-66 road loss to Pacific. These teams last met back in 2023 and Illinois State won that game at home by a score of 61-52. Continue reading to see our Illinois State vs Long Beach State prediction.
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Redbirds Can't Hang With The Trojans
Illinois State heads into Sunday’s matchup at the Walter Pyramid sitting at 1-2 after a tough 87-67 loss to USC in the Hall of Fame Series. Ty’Reek Coleman paced the Redbirds with 16 points, while Chase Walker battled inside for nine rebounds, but the team struggled to keep pace with the Trojans’ athleticism and depth. Illinois State shot just 34% from the field and 22% from three, numbers that highlight the offensive inconsistency that has plagued them early in the season. The Redbirds did manage to compete on the glass, pulling down 39 rebounds, but turnovers and cold shooting stretches proved costly.
Despite the loss, Illinois State has shown flashes of promise. Walker remains the focal point in the paint, averaging double figures in scoring and providing a steady rebounding presence. Coleman has emerged as a spark plug, capable of creating his own shot and giving the Redbirds a scoring option when the offense stalls. Guards Johnny Kinziger and Ty Pence have chipped in with perimeter shooting, though the team needs more consistency from the backcourt to balance Walker’s interior game. Defensively, Illinois State has been scrappy, but lapses against high-major opponents have exposed their rotations and left them vulnerable to runs.
Coach Ryan Pedon knows this game against Long Beach State is an opportunity to reset. The Redbirds have already faced tough competition in Ohio and USC, and now they’ll look to impose their style against a winless 49ers squad. For Illinois State, the key will be establishing Walker early, keeping Coleman aggressive, and finding rhythm from the perimeter. If they can avoid the prolonged scoring droughts that hurt them in Los Angeles, the Redbirds have the tools to control tempo and leave California with a much-needed road win.
| # | Handicapper | Profit |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |  Ricky Tran | +4,662.00 |
| 2 |  Nick Parsons | +2,593.00 |
| 3 |  Mark Ruelle | +2,307.00 |
| 4 |  David Delano | +2,049.00 |
| 5 |  Sean Higgs | +763.00 |
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49ers Fall Short Against Pacific
Long Beach State enters at 0-3 after a narrow 69-66 loss to Pacific, their most competitive outing of the young season. Gavin Sykes led the way with 20 points, knocking down big shots to keep the 49ers in contention, while Petar Majstorovic added 14 points and nine rebounds. The Beach shot 44% from the field and battled until the final minutes, but defensive breakdowns and missed opportunities at the free-throw line ultimately cost them. It was a step forward compared to earlier blowout losses to San Diego State and Fresno State, but the team is still searching for its first win under second-year head coach Chris Acker.
Offensively, Long Beach has leaned on Sykes and Majstorovic, with both providing scoring balance inside and out. Guard Isaiah Lewis has added quickness in the backcourt, though turnovers have been an issue, as the Beach have averaged nearly 15 giveaways per game. Rebounding has been a strength, with Majstorovic and KC Ibekwe giving them size in the paint, but the team has struggled to convert second-chance opportunities. Defensively, Long Beach has allowed opponents to shoot over 45% from the field, and perimeter defense has been particularly shaky, leaving them vulnerable to hot shooting stretches.
For the 49ers, Sunday’s matchup is about proving they can finish games. Playing at home inside the Walter Pyramid gives them a boost, and the narrow loss to Pacific showed they’re capable of competing when shots fall. Acker will look for Sykes to stay aggressive, Majstorovic to control the boards, and the guards to limit turnovers against Illinois State’s pressure. If Long Beach can tighten up defensively and avoid the lapses that have plagued them, they’ll have a chance to break into the win column and build momentum heading into the Battle at the Beach tournament later in the week.
Illinois State vs Long Beach State Pick
Illinois State vs Long Beach State Spread Pick
- Long Beach State +7 (2 Units)
Taking Long Beach State +7 feels like a live angle because the 49ers have shown steady improvement despite their 0-3 start. Their narrow 69-66 loss to Pacific was the most competitive effort yet, with Gavin Sykes scoring 20 points and Petar Majstorovic adding 14 points and nine rebounds. That performance showed they can hang around when shots are falling, and playing at home inside the Walter Pyramid gives them a boost. Illinois State has struggled with offensive consistency, shooting just 34% in their loss to USC, and if the Redbirds go cold again, Long Beach has the pieces to keep this game tight.
The 49ers’ rebounding strength, led by Majstorovic and KC Ibekwe, should help them neutralize Chase Walker inside, while Sykes’ scoring gives them a reliable option to match Illinois State’s perimeter threats. Turnovers remain a concern, but if Long Beach can limit mistakes and continue to build on the progress shown against Pacific, they’re capable of staying within the number. With Illinois State still searching for rhythm and Long Beach showing signs of growth, grabbing the 49ers at +7 offers value in what looks like a competitive mid-major matchup.
Illinois State vs Long Beach State Over/Under Pick
- Under 143.5 (3 Units)
The Under 143.5 makes sense here because both Illinois State and Long Beach State have struggled to find consistent offensive rhythm, with the Redbirds shooting just 34% in their loss to USC and the 49ers averaging under 70 points per game through their first three contests. Illinois State leans on Chase Walker inside and Ty’Reek Coleman on the perimeter, but scoring droughts have been a recurring issue, while Long Beach has battled turnovers and inefficient shooting despite strong rebounding. With both teams prone to grinding possessions and neither showing the firepower to push the pace, this matchup projects as a lower-scoring battle where staying under 143.5 feels like the sharper angle.
