INDIANAPOLIS (Interstat) — Two teams riding postseason momentum will meet Thursday when Illinois State faces Auburn in a men’s NCAA Division I basketball game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

The Illinois State Redbirds (23-12) enter on a three-game winning streak, including a 61-55 road victory over Dayton on March 25. The Auburn Tigers (20-16) have won four straight, most recently a 75-69 home win over Nevada on March 25.

Auburn has been installed as a 6.5-point favorite, with the over/under set at 150 points.

The matchup features a compelling backcourt duel between two standout guards. Illinois State is led by sophomore Johnny Kinziger, who is averaging 13.5 points and 4.5 assists over his last four games. He scored 19 points in a win at Wake Forest on March 22 and played 38 minutes in the victory at Dayton.

Auburn counters with dynamic junior Tahaad Pettiford, who is coming off a 28-point performance in a loss at Tennessee on March 12. In the win over Nevada, Pettiford filled the stat sheet with 16 points, six assists and a block. His versatility was on full display in a March 11 win over Mississippi State, where he posted 13 points, six rebounds, five assists and two blocks.

Illinois State’s recent success has been built on defense, holding opponents to an average of 62.7 points during its win streak. Alongside Kinziger, forwards Chase Walker and Ty Pence provided crucial secondary scoring against Dayton, combining for 25 points.

Auburn’s streak has been fueled by efficient offense, scoring at least 75 points in each of the four wins. Pettiford’s backcourt mate, Elyjah Freeman, scored 15 points in 40 minutes against Nevada, while forward Filip Jovic added a team-high 18 points.

The Tigers will look to leverage their athleticism and depth against a Redbirds team that has proven resilient on the road. Illinois State is 3-1 in its last four games away from home, with the only loss in that stretch a 74-52 defeat to Northern Iowa on March 6.

Tipoff is scheduled for Thursday, April 2, in Indianapolis.