| MATCHUP | Little Rock Trojans | Eastern Illinois Panthers |
|---|---|---|
| Team Records | 10-16 | 10-16 |
| Spread | -2.5 -102 | +2.5 -118 |
| Moneyline | -135 | +114 |
| Total | Over 134.5 (-115) | Under 134.5 (-105) |
| Where | Groniger Arena, Charleston, IL | |
| When | Saturday, February 14, 2026 | |
| Time | 04:30 PM EST | |
| TV | ESPN+ | |
The Little Rock Trojans and the Eastern Illinois Panthers meet Saturday in college basketball action from Lantz Arena in Charleston. Here’s a Little Rock vs Eastern Illinois prediction. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best Little Rock vs Eastern Illinios pick. We will examine the recent form and player performances for both teams, as well as the recent betting trends and streaks pertaining to this matchup. As we conclude, we will tie it all together with a summary that produces a sensible pick for a favorable betting outcome in this game.
Little Rock Trojans Betting Preview
The Trojans opened up their campaign with just two wins over their first 11 games. Little Rock would then hit a 7-1 run from there with wins over Southern Indiana, Williams Baptist, Tennessee Tech, SIU Edwardsville, Lindenwood, Eastern Illinois and Western Illinois. After that came losses to Southeast Missouri State, Tennessee State, Tennessee Tech, TN-Martin, Lindenwood and SIU Edwardsville.
In the Thursday game versus Western Illinois, the Trojans went into the second half with a comfortable lead 35-24. Little Rock kept it going the rest of the way on a 42-34 run and took the victory in the end 77-58 on the road. Leading the way were Cameron Wallace (nine rebounds) and Truman Claytor, each with 16 points. Jonathan Lawson tripled up on 13 points, 10 assists and 14 rebounds as well.
Eastern Illinois Panthers Betting Preview
Over on the Eastern Illinois side, they opened with a 2-8 run in their first 10 outings. Eastern Illinois would then take wins over SIU Edwardsville, East-West U, Tennessee Tech, Tennessee State and Western Illinois in the next seven before a 2-1 run. Since then it’s been a 1-5 stretch with losses to Morehead State, TN-Martin, SEMO, Tennessee State and Western Illinois for a 10-16 record.
Matched up against Western Illinois in the Tuesday game the Panthers went into the second half with an eight-point deficit 39-31. Eastern Illinois was outscored from there 40-39 and ended up losing in a road matchup 79-70 in the end. Kooper Jacobi led the team on a double-double with 19 points and 14 rebounds while Preston Turner added 18 points with three boards.
Little Rock Trojans @ Eastern Illinois Panthers Betting Trends: February 14, 2026
Why the Eastern Illinois Panthers will win
- Little Rock has lost six of its last seven games against non-AP-ranked opponents.
- Eastern Illinois has won 13 of its last 16 day games at First Mid Court at Groniger Arena following a road loss.
- Eastern Illinois has won the first half in four of its last five day games at First Mid Court at Groniger Arena against non-AP-ranked opponents.
Why the Little Rock Trojans will win
- Eastern Illinois has lost five of its last six games against non-AP-ranked opponents.
- Little Rock has won five of its last six road games following a road win.
- Eastern Illinois has lost the first half in three of its last four games against non-AP-ranked opponents.
Little Rock vs Eastern Illinois Prediction
I’ll stick with the Panthers. Eastern Illinois needs a good bounce-back effort after a rough loss to a struggling Western Illinois squad, though. The Panthers shot 44.4 percent from the field in that one but also hit just 57.1 percent (8-of-14) from the line and had a 36-33 rebounding deficit. EIU has lost five of their last six games, giving up 73 or more points in all of those defeats.
These teams last saw each other back on January 15 in a 74-63 road loss for Eastern Illinois. In that one the Panthers shot pretty well (45.3 percent) but also got outmuscled on the boards 35-26 and had 15 turnovers. The home rematch should be more comfortable for Eastern Illinois but it’s not a sure thing by any means.