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Sports / College Basketball

Wake Forest vs Illinois State NIT Preview

The Wake Forest Demon Deacons host the Illinois State Redbirds in the second round of the NIT on Sunday, March 22, 2026. Wake Forest is coming off a win against Navy, while Illinois State looks to continue its strong tournament performance.

Wake Forest vs Illinois State NIT preview
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Wake Forest vs Illinois State NIT Preview Image via 247Sports

Key Insights

  • Wake Forest (23-9) faces Illinois State (21-12) in the NIT Second Round.
  • The game takes place at LJVM Coliseum in Winston-Salem, NC.
  • ESPN2 will broadcast the game, with streaming available on the ESPN App and Fubo.
  • Key player for Illinois State is Jr. Chase Walker (6-9, 290 lbs), averaging 13.7 points per game.
  • Wake Forest defeated Navy 82-72 in the first round, led by Juke Harris with 26 points.

In-Depth Analysis

Wake Forest enters this game with momentum after defeating Navy. Illinois State, despite being a No. 4 seed, has shown the potential to upset higher-ranked teams. The Demon Deacons will need to contain Chase Walker and capitalize on their home-court advantage. Illinois State will need another strong performance from Landon Wolf, who had 24 points in their first-round game. The winner advances to face either Dayton or UNC-Wilmington in the quarterfinals. KenPom predicts a 77-70 Wake Forest victory.

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FAQ

When is the Wake Forest vs. Illinois State game?

Sunday, March 22, 2026, at 4:30 PM ET.

Where is the game being played?

LJVM Coliseum in Winston-Salem, NC.

How can I watch the game?

On ESPN2 or stream via the ESPN App and Fubo.

Takeaways

  • Wake Forest is favored but needs to be wary of Illinois State’s upset potential.
  • Key players to watch are Wake Forest’s Juke Harris and Illinois State’s Chase Walker.
  • The game is crucial for Wake Forest to potentially host another NIT game.
  • Streaming options are available for those unable to watch on cable.

Discussion

Do you think Wake Forest will advance in the NIT? Share your predictions below! Share this article with others who need to stay ahead of this trend!

Sources

Disclaimer

This article was compiled by Yanuki using publicly available data and trending information. The content may summarize or reference third-party sources that have not been independently verified. While we aim to provide timely and accurate insights, the information presented may be incomplete or outdated.

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