Cornell at Illinois State Picks and Predictions for Sunday, November 9, 2025

By: David Anicetti Published 11/09/2025, 12:20 AM ET

The Cornell Big Red travel to face the Illinois State Redbirds on Sunday afternoon at CEFCU Arena. Cornell dropped its season opener in a 110–102 shootout at Kent State, while Illinois State fell 72–68 at Ohio. Get ready to win with college basketball picks.

Game Information for Cornell vs Illinois State

Date & Time: Sunday, November 9, 2:00 PM ET

Where: CEFCU Arena, Normal, Illinois

TV: ESPN+

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Cornell Big Red Preview

Cornell’s offense was sharp in its opener despite the loss, shooting 52% from the floor and 47% from three. Cooper Noard led the Big Red with 34 points on 10-of-18 shooting, including five threes and nine free throws. Adam Hinton added 29 points and went 6-of-12 from deep, while Jacob Beccles dished out seven assists. Cornell hit 19 three-pointers overall, showing its solid spacing and perimeter play.

Defensively, Cornell couldn’t contain Kent State’s pace, allowing 110 points and giving up too many clean looks in transition. The Big Red committed 17 turnovers and gave up 13 offensive rebounds, both of which stalled comeback attempts. For Cornell to bounce back, it must clean up turnovers and tighten its defense in transition. With a fast pace and deep bench, the Big Red’s scoring possibilities remain high — but defense is the key to staying in this one.

Illinois State Redbirds Preview

Illinois State lost a close battle at Ohio despite solid guard play. Johnny Kinziger and Boden Skunberg each scored 15 points, and Ty Pence added 14 on 6-of-8 shooting. The Redbirds shot 43.5% from the field and 30.8% from three, but couldn’t convert late chances after leading much of the second half. Brandon Lieb provided solid play in the paint with six points, five rebounds, and two blocks in just 15 minutes.

The Redbirds’ balanced scoring is promising, but they need more consistency on defense after giving up 72 points and allowing 54% shooting from inside the arc. Skunberg’s rebounding from the guard spot (7 boards) and Kinziger’s playmaking (3 assists) give the Redbirds more options, yet Illinois State’s transition defense must improve against Cornell’s uptempo attack. Expect head coach Ryan Pedon to emphasize transition defense and limiting second-chance points.

Cornell at Illinois State Prediction

Cornell’s spacing and shooting will create matchup problems for Illinois State’s defense, though the Redbirds’ home crowd and physical play will help. Expect a high-scoring, back-and-forth contest decided late. Final Score Prediction: Cornell Big Red 84, Illinois State Redbirds 79.

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