| MATCHUP | Tennessee State Tigers | Western Illinois Leathernecks |
|---|---|---|
| Team Records | 10-5 | 4-12 |
| Where | Western Hall, Macomb, IL | |
| When | Thursday, January 8, 2026 | |
| Time | 08:30 PM EST | |
| TV | ESPN+ | |
Tennessee State Tigers Betting Preview
The Tennessee State Tigers beat Tennessee Tech and Little Rock, and they play Eastern Illinois next. Tennessee State has won 4 of its last 5 games.
The Tennessee State Tigers are averaging 86.7 points on 44.6 percent shooting and allowing 82.2 points on 45.4 percent shooting. Travis Harper II is averaging 17.1 points and 4.5 rebounds, while Aaron Nkrumah is averaging 16.6 points and 4.4 rebounds. Dante Harris is the third double-digit scorer and Antoine Lorick III is grabbing 5 rebounds. The Tennessee State Tigers are shooting 30.1 percent from beyond the arc and 75 percent from the free throw line. The Tennessee State Tigers are allowing 30.4 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 38.5 rebounds per game.
Western Illinois Leathernecks Betting Preview
The Western Illinois Leathernecks lost to UT Martin and Southeast Missouri State, and they play Tennessee Tech next. Western Illinois has lost 4 straight games.
The Western Illinois Leathernecks are averaging 71.3 points on 41.4 percent shooting and allowing 79.9 points on 45.7 percent shooting. Lucas Lorenzen is averaging 15.2 points and 4.5 rebounds, while Isaiah Griffin is averaging 11.3 points and 3.9 rebounds. Antwaun Massey is the third double-digit scorer, and Karyiek Dixon is dishing 0.5 assists. The Western Illinois Leathernecks are shooting 30.7 percent from beyond the arc and 67.5 percent from the free throw line. The Western Illinois Leathernecks are allowing 36.4 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 33 rebounds per game.
Why the Western Illinois Leathernecks will win
- Western Illinois has won four of its last five home games following a road loss.
- Tennessee State has lost the first half in four of its last five night games against non-AP-ranked opponents.
Why the Tennessee State Tigers will win
- Tennessee State has won 10 of its last 11 night games against the Ohio Valley Conference.
- Western Illinois has lost eight of its last nine night games against non-AP-ranked opponents.
- Tennessee State has won the first half in 11 of its last 14 games against Conference opponents.
Total Points Facts
- Each of Western Illinois’ last six night games against the Ohio Valley Conference have produced a total of 149+ points.
- Each of Tennessee State’s last four games against non-AP-ranked opponents have produced a total of 149+ points.
Matchup/League Facts
- Tennessee State ranks 12th among Division 1 teams for opponent turnovers per game this season (16.2).
- Tennessee State ranks 20th among Division 1 teams for field goal attempts per game this season (65.2).
Tennessee State vs Western Illinois Prediction
Western Illinois is piling up the losses, can’t find easy offense, and it’s not covering numbers either. Western Illinois has also lost 3 times already at home. Tennessee State is 7-3 SU and 7-2 ATS in its last 10 games and has the offensive horses to give Western Illinois fits. Tennessee State is 8-3 ATS on the season and has 3 road wins this season. Tennessee State is in a completely different class. I’ll lay the points.