| MATCHUP | Western Illinois Leathernecks | SIU-Edwardsville Cougars |
|---|---|---|
| Team Records | 5-24 | 17-12 |
| Where | First Community Arena, Edwardsville, IL | |
| When | Thursday, February 26, 2026 | |
| Time | 08:30 PM EST | |
| TV | ESPN+ | |
The Western Illinois Leathernecks and SIU Edwardsville Cougars meet Thursday in college basketball action at the First Community Arena. Here’s a Western Illinois vs. SIU-Edwardsville prediction. This article will include a Western Illinois vs. SIU-Edwardsville pick.
Western Illinois Leathernecks Betting Preview
The Western Illinois Leathernecks lost to Morehead State and Southern Indiana, and they play Lindenwood next. Western Illinois has lost 10 of its last 11 games.
The Western Illinois Leathernecks are averaging 67.7 points on 40.6 percent shooting and allowing 79.4 points on 47.2 percent shooting. Lucas Lorenzen is averaging 15.3 points and 4.2 rebounds, while Isaiah Griffin is averaging 10.8 points and 3.6 rebounds. Antwaun Massey is grabbing 3.4 rebounds, and Karyiek Dixon is dishing 0.7 assists. The Western Illinois Leathernecks are shooting 31.1 percent from beyond the arc and 67.4 percent from the free throw line. The Western Illinois Leathernecks are allowing 35.6 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 30.3 rebounds per game.
SIU Edwardsville Cougars Betting Preview
The SIU Edwardsville Cougars lost to Tennessee Tech and Tennessee State, and they play Eastern Illinois next. SIU Edwardsville has lost 3 straight games.
The SIU Edwardsville Cougars are averaging 73.5 points on 44.3 percent shooting and allowing 67.8 points on 39.5 percent shooting. Ring Malith is averaging 17 points and 5.4 rebounds, while Myles Thompson is averaging 10.8 points and 6.1 rebounds. Tyler King is grabbing 2.2 rebounds and Jack Campion is dishing 4.9 assists. The SIU Edwardsville Cougars are shooting 34.4 percent from beyond the arc and 67.5 percent from the free throw line. The SIU Edwardsville Cougars are allowing 30 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 34 rebounds per game.
Why the SIU Edwardsville Cougars will win
- Western Illinois has lost each of its last nine road games against non-AP-ranked opponents.
- SIU Edwardsville has won each of its last three games against Western Illinois following a road loss.
Why the Western Illinois Leathernecks will win
- SIU Edwardsville has lost each of its last three games against non-AP-ranked opponents.
- Western Illinois has won three of its last four night games against SIU-Edwardsville.
- SIU Edwardsville has lost the first half in three of its last four games against non-AP-ranked opponents.
Total Points: Facts
- Each of Western Illinois’ last 11 Thursday night games against the Ohio Valley Conference has produced a total of 135+ points.
- Four of SIU Edwardsville’s last five games against non-AP-ranked opponents have produced a total of 133 or fewer points.
Matchup/League Facts
- SIU Edwardsville ranks 15th among Division 1 teams for opponent points per game this season (65.4).
- SIU Edwardsville ranks 18th among Division 1 teams for opponent assist to turnover ratio this season (0.83).
- Western Illinois ranks 360th among Division 1 teams for true shooting percentage this season (50.0%).
- Western Illinois ranks 357th among Division 1 teams for effective field goal percentage this season (45.7%).
Western Illinois vs SIU-Edwardsville Prediction
SIU-Edwardsville isn’t a world beater and not a team I’m excited to lay double-digit chalk with. However, this game has more to do with Western Illinois and its struggles. Western Illinois has won just one of its last 10 games and is 3-7 ATS during that stretch. Western Illinois is looking more and more like a team that’s waiting for the season to end. SIU-Edwardsville has a chance to move up the OVC tournament standings by taking advantage of spots like this. Big number but Western Illinois is awful. Give me SIU-Edwardsville in a blowout home victory.