Wake Forest Battles Illinois State in NIT Second Round Showdown
Wake Forest will host Illinois State on Sunday, March 21, at 4:30 PM. The game is an NIT second round matchup and promises a physical contest.
Game details
The venue is Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Winston-Salem. The arena holds 12,799 fans.
Numbers and projections
- Wake Forest KenPom: 75. NET: 66.
- Illinois State KenPom: 103. NET: 95.
- KenPom score projection favors Wake, 77-70.
- ESPN Matchup Predictor gives Wake Forest a 77% chance to win.
Illinois State profile
The Redbirds finished 12-8 in Missouri Valley Conference play. Their resume includes a win over 26-6 Belmont.
They also beat Northern Iowa, an NCAA Tournament team. Their losses include Evansville, 7-25, and Indiana State, 11-21.
Key player to watch
Junior Chase Walker presents a matchup problem. He stands 6-9 and weighs 290 pounds.
Walker averages 13.7 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game. He shoots 54 percent from the floor.
Historical and tactical notes
The programs met once before, in 1976. Wake lost that game 79-81 and trails head-to-head 0-1.
Wake Forest holds the statistical edge. Still, Illinois State has shown it can upset stronger teams.
Filmogaz.com will monitor the outcome and provide updates after the final horn.
