Preview: Illinois State Redbirds at Belmont Bruins

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Interstat) — A surging Belmont squad hosts an Illinois State team looking to build momentum in a key Missouri Valley Conference men’s basketball clash Saturday at Curb Events Center.

The Bruins (17-3) enter with one of the league’s best records, having won four of their last five, including a 73-68 road victory at Southern Illinois on Jan. 17. Belmont’s balanced attack is led by guard Jack Smiley, who is coming off a 14-point, 3-assist performance against the Salukis. Smiley averaged 13.2 points over a recent five-game stretch, showcasing his scoring versatility.

They face an Illinois State team (14-6) that snapped a three-game skid with a gritty 59-54 home win over Northern Iowa on Wednesday. The Redbirds’ success hinges largely on the offensive production of guard Boden Skunberg. After being held to single digits in three consecutive losses, Skunberg exploded for 20 points in the win over Northern Iowa and 23 in a rout of Bradley on Jan. 17. His scoring output is a critical bellwether for the Redbirds.

Belmont has been formidable at home, boasting a perfect record in Nashville this season. Their offense, which put up 88 points in a win over Bradley on New Year’s Day, will test an Illinois State defense that has shown resilience but inconsistency during conference play.

This matchup is the first of a regular-season series between the programs, with a rematch scheduled for March 1 in Normal, Illinois. The outcome could carry significant weight in the crowded MVC standings.

For Illinois State, containing Smiley and the efficient Belmont offense while finding consistent secondary scoring behind Skunberg will be paramount. For the Bruins, protecting their home court and exploiting Illinois State’s recent road struggles—the Redbirds are 1-3 in their last four away games—is the immediate task.

Tip-off is set for Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026, in Nashville.