| MATCHUP | Eastern Illinois Panthers | UT Martin Skyhawks |
|---|---|---|
| Team Records | 13-19 | 21-10 |
| Spread | +8.5 -118 | -8.5 -102 |
| Moneyline | +285 | -360 |
| Total | Over 122.5 (-105) | Under 122.5 (-115) |
| Where | Ford Center, Evansville, IN | |
| When | Thursday, March 5, 2026 | |
| Time | 07:00 PM EST | |
| TV | ESPN+ | |
The Eastern Illinois Panthers and UT Martin Skyhawks meet Thursday in the college basketball OVC Championship at the Ford Center. Here’s an Eastern Illinois vs. UT Martin prediction. This article will include an Eastern Illinois vs. UT Martin pick.
Eastern Illinois Panthers Betting Preview
The Eastern Illinois Panthers split with SIU Edwardsville and beat Lindenwood. Eastern Illinois has lost 3 of its last 5 games.
The Eastern Illinois Panthers are averaging 69.1 points on 42.5 percent shooting and allowing 72.8 points on 43.6 percent shooting. Zion Fruster is averaging 15 points and 2.3 assists, while Kooper Jacobi is averaging 11 points and 6.3 rebounds. Andre Washington is the third double-digit scorer and Meechie White is dishing 3.1 assists. The Eastern Illinois Panthers are shooting 32 percent from beyond the arc and 73.7 percent from the free throw line. The Eastern Illinois Panthers are allowing 31.2 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 30.3 rebounds per game.
UT Martin Skyhawks Betting Preview
The UT Martin Skyhawks beat Tennessee Tech and lost to Tennessee State. UT Martin has lost 3 of its last 4 games.
The UT Martin Skyhawks are averaging 75.3 points on 42.3 percent shooting and allowing 67.4 points on 38.6 percent shooting. Dragos Lungu is averaging 13.8 points and 2.8 assists, while Andrija Bukumirovic is averaging 13.7 points and 7.8 rebounds. Matas Deniusas is the third double-digit scorer and Filip Petovski is grabbing 4.3 rebounds. The UT Martin Skyhawks are shooting 30.6 percent from beyond the arc and 67.4 percent from the free throw line. The UT Martin Skyhawks are allowing 28.5 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 40 rebounds per game.
Why the UT Martin Skyhawks will win
- Eastern Illinois has lost six of its last seven games after coming off overtime.
- UT Martin has won each of its last three night games against Eastern Illinois.
- Eastern Illinois has lost the first half in six of its last eight games against non-AP-ranked opponents at a neutral venue.
Why the Eastern Illinois Panthers will win
- UT Martin has lost four of its last five games at Ford Center against non-AP-ranked opponents.
Total Points: Facts
- Each of UT Martin’s last eight night games at a neutral venue has produced a total of 137+ points.
- Each of Eastern Illinois’ last seven games against conference opponents has produced a total of 127+ points.
Matchup/League Facts
- UT Martin ranks 4th among Division 1 teams for opponent points per game this season (63.0).
- UT Martin ranks 4th among Division 1 teams for opponent three-point percentage this season (28.5%).
Eastern Illinois vs UT Martin Prediction
UT Martin is the better team with the rest advantage, but Eastern Illinois has won 2 of its last 3 games as an underdog. Yesterday’s win should do wonders for the confidence of this group. Also, while UT Martin won both games against Eastern Illinois in January, both contests were competitive and decided by an average of six points. The underdog has covered 6 of the last 10 games between Eastern Illinois and UT Martin. I expect another competitive game in this spot and wouldn’t be shocked if Eastern Illinois puts a scare into the Skyhawks. Give me the points.