Western Illinois vs Tennessee Tech Prediction 2/5/2026 Today’s College Basketball Picks

The Western Illinois Leathernecks and the Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles meet Thursday in college basketball action from Eblen Center in Cookeville. Here’s a Western Illinois vs Tennessee Tech prediction. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best Western Illinois vs Tennessee Tech 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.

Western Illinois Leathernecks Betting Preview

It’s been a rough season for the Leathernecks. After limping to a 4-7 opening run over their first 11 games, Western Illinois lost to Lindenwood, SIU Edwardsville, TN-Martin, Southeast Missouri State, Tennessee State, Tennessee Tech, Eastern Illinois, Little Rock, Morehead State, Southern Indiana, Southeast Missouri State and TN-Martin in succession. That gives the team a 4-19 overall run so far.

In the TN-Martin rematch at home last weekend, the Leathernecks were demolished 38-20 in the opening half. After the break, Western Illinois didn’t get any closer on a 46-24 run and took the loss in the end 84-44. Nobody on the team managed to score in double-digits during the defeat. Lucas Lorenzen was the leading scorer on eight points in 24 minutes.

Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles Betting Preview

Over on the Tennessee Tech side, they managed to keep a .500 record across their first 12 games this year at 6-6 overall. The Eagles lost to TN-Martin, Tennessee State. Little Rock, Eastern Illinois, Southern Indiana, Morehead State, Lindenwood and SIU Edwardsville over the next nine, then took out Little Rock and Tennessee State. That makes for a 9-14 record in 25 games this year.

In the Tennessee State matchup back on Monday the Golden Eagles went into the locker room with a commanding 46-31 edge on the road. Things got interesting from there on a 54-44 second-half defat but Tennessee Tech eventually emerged victorious 90-85. Mekhi Cameron was the team’s leading scorer with his 23 points, nine rebounds and two assists in 34 minutes of action.

Western Illinois Leathernecks @ Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles Betting Trends: February 5, 2026

Why the Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles will win

• Western Illinois has lost each of its last 12 games against non-AP-ranked opponents.

Why the Western Illinois Leathernecks will win

• Tennessee Tech has lost four of its last five home games against non-AP-ranked opponents.

Western Illinois vs Tennessee Tech Prediction

I’ll lean toward Tennessee Tech but I’m probably avoiding this one. There’s not much to get excited about here. That said, Tennessee Tech was finally able to play their game versus Tennessee State this week (after some rescheduling due to weather), getting a win thanks to 52.8 percent shooting from the field and 62.5 percent (15-of-24) from outside. The Eagles got out-rebounded 37-24 and outscored in the paint 44-24, however.

Tennessee Tech won the last game between these teams 59-54 on the road January 10, but it wasn’t pretty. The Eagles shot just 4-of-16 (25 percent) from outside and 7-of-14 (50 percent) from the line along with a 33-31 rebounding deficit in that one. Tennessee Tech will need a stronger start in this home rematch after posting a 26-18 deficit at the break in the first meeting.

Andrew Jett's Pick: Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles TBA