| MATCHUP | Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles | Eastern Illinois Panthers |
|---|---|---|
| Team Records | 6-10 | 5-10 |
| Where | Groniger Arena, Charleston, IL | |
| When | Thursday, January 8, 2026 | |
| Time | 08:30 PM EST | |
| TV | ESPN+ | |
Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles Betting Preview
The Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles lost to Tennessee State and Little Rock, and they play Western Illinois next. Tennessee Tech has lost 3 straight games.
The Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles are averaging 78 points on 45.9 percent shooting and allowing 78.8 points on 43.9 percent shooting. Mekhi Cameron is averaging 11.6 points and 3.9 rebounds, while Dani Pounds is averaging 11.5 points and 0.9 assists. Brandon Muntu is the third double-digit scorer and JaJuan Nicholls is grabbing 4.7 rebounds. The Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles are shooting 31.7 percent from beyond the arc and 74 percent from the free throw line. The Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles are allowing 36.3 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 33.4 rebounds per game.
Eastern Illinois Panthers Betting Preview
The Eastern Illinois Panthers lost to Southeast Missouri State and UT Martin, and they play Tennessee State next. Eastern Illinois has lost 7 of its last 9 games.
The Eastern Illinois Panthers are averaging 70.5 points on 41.9 percent shooting and allowing 79.2 points on 44.4 percent shooting. Zion Fruster is averaging 15.9 points and 2.4 assists, while Andre Washington is averaging 12 points and 2.7 rebounds. Meechie White is the third double-digit scorer and Kooper Jacobi is dishing 2.1 assists. The Eastern Illinois Panthers are shooting 29.4 percent from beyond the arc and 73.5 percent from the free throw line. The Eastern Illinois Panthers are allowing 29.5 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 31.6 rebounds per game.
Why the Eastern Illinois Panthers will win
- The home team has won each of Eastern Illinois’ last five games.
- Tennessee Tech has lost six of its last seven games against Conference opponents.
- Tennessee Tech has lost the first half in each of its last three night games.
Why the Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles will win
- Eastern Illinois has lost four of its last five night games against non-AP-ranked opponents.
- Tennessee Tech has won four of its last five night games against Eastern Illinois.
Total Points Facts
- Eight of Tennessee Tech’s last nine games against non-AP-ranked opponents have produced a total of 146+ points.
- Fifteen of Eastern Illinois’ last 18 night games against non-AP-ranked opponents have produced a total of 139 or fewer points.
Tennessee Tech vs Eastern Illinois Prediction
Tennessee Tech is in a funk defensively, and it’s led to three straight losses, and now they’re on the road where they’ve lost 6 times. Eastern Illinois has seen all 4 of its wins this season come at home, and it’s covered each of its last 4 games. One of those covers was a big outright win over SIU Edwardsville. Tennessee Tech has won 8 of the last 9 games against Eastern Illinois, so I understand getting the benefit of the doubt. I’ll still lean toward Eastern Illinois and the free bucket on Thursday night.