- Matchup: Western Illinois Leathernecks vs UT Martin Skyhawks
- Scheduled Date: Thursday, January 1, 2026
- Venue: Kathleen and Tom Elam Center, Martin, TN
- Broadcast: ESPN+
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The Western Illinois Leathernecks (4-9) are visiting the Kathleen and Tom Elam Center this Thursday to face off against the UT Martin Skyhawks (9-4).
In their most recent game, the Leathernecks fell short to SIU Edwardsville with a score of 66-61. Western Illinois recorded a field goal percentage of 42.0%, successfully making 21 of their 50 attempts and hitting 4 out of 13 shots from beyond the arc. At the free throw line, they converted 15 of 22 attempts, yielding a rate of 68.2%. The team secured 22 rebounds in total, with 4 being offensive boards. They also provided 8 assists, forced 13 turnovers, and achieved 7 steals during the game. Defensively, they allowed their opponents to connect at 39.2% from the field, with SIU Edwardsville completing 20 of 51 shots. SIU Edwardsville tallied 8 assists, recorded 6 steals, and grabbed 31 rebounds (7 offensive, 24 defensive) without any blocks. They finished with a free throw percentage of 78.3%, converting 18 of 23 attempts. In terms of fouls, both teams committed 18 fouls each.
Lucas Lorenzen stood out in the match, finishing with 42.9% shooting from the field while dishing out 1 assist. He played for 37 minutes, grabbing 5 rebounds and scoring 19 points on 6 of 14 shooting.
Currently, Western Illinois holds a record of 4-9 for this season. The team averages 68.2 points per game (ranked 334th nationally) on a shooting percentage of 42.5%. They are converting 31.1% of their three-point attempts (70 out of 225) and are hitting 66.8% from the free throw line. Collectively, Western Illinois is averaging 34.3 rebounds per game and has distributed 105 assists this season, placing them at 363rd in assist rankings across the nation. They are averaging 12.2 turnovers per game and committing 17.1 fouls on average.
On the defensive end, the Leathernecks are forcing their opponents into 11.5 turnovers per game while drawing an average of 17.0 fouls. They currently stand 225th nationally in assists allowed, with 175 assists surrendered this season. The Leathernecks yield a field goal percentage of 45.6%, having allowed 339 made shots from 743 attempts. On average, they give up 33.8 rebounds per game while opponents have a field goal success rate of 36.8%. In points allowed, Western Illinois ranks 230th nationally with 75.2 points per game allowed.
In their latest contest, the UT Martin Skyhawks secured a victory against Tennessee Tech, finishing 86-62. In terms of team rebounding, UT Martin allowed Tennessee Tech to gather 23 total rebounds (8 offensive). The Skyhawks managed a 31.0% success rate from beyond the arc, netting 9 of 29 shots, and completed 9 of 12 free throws for a rate of 75.0%. Tennessee Tech successfully converted 22 of 52 field goals, achieving a shooting percentage of 42.3%. The Skyhawks concluded the game with a 53.4% field goal rate, making 31 out of 58 attempts. From three-point territory, they netted 13 of 29 shots for an impressive 44.8%, while also converting 11 free throw attempts for an 84.6% success rate. Tennessee Tech committed 14 fouls, which offered the Skyhawks 13 opportunities at the charity stripe. Additionally, UT Martin capitalized on 9 steals while their opponents recorded 7 turnovers. Collectively, the Skyhawks grabbed 30 rebounds, with 23 on defense and 7 on offense.
Andrija Bukumirovic emerged as a key player in the matchup, scoring 28 points in 30 minutes of play without handing out any assists. He achieved an impressive field goal percentage of 80.0%, converting 12 of 15 attempts, along with 4 rebounds.
UT Martin claims a 9-4 record so far this season. Offensively, the Skyhawks are shooting 44.4% from the field, placing them 247th nationally. They have accumulated a total of 992 points this year, averaging 76.3 points per game and securing 42.0 rebounds per contest. They are recording assists at a rate of 15.4 per game (ranking 137th in college) while turning the ball over 15.5 times per game. The Skyhawks are averaging 17.3 fouls per game while converting 66.4% of free throw attempts.
Defensively, UT Martin allows opponents to shoot 27.8% from three-point range (84 of 302) and permits 71.3% shooting from the charity stripe. They average giving up 12.5 assists and 32.2 rebounds per game, ranking 117th and 78th, respectively. The Skyhawks rank 38th nationally in points allowed per game at 66.2 and force 14.1 turnovers each contest, allowing opponents to shoot 40.0% from the field (50th best in college hoops).
Who will come out on top in this NCAA matchup against the spread?
Pick: Bet on Western Illinois
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