Western Illinois vs UT Martin Prediction 1/1/2026 Today’s College Basketball Picks

The Western Illinois Leathernecks and UT Martin Skyhawks meet Thursday in the college basketball action at the Kathleen and Tom Elam Center. Here’s a Western Illinois vs UT Martin Prediction. This article will include a Western Illinois vs UT Martin Pick.

Western Illinois Leathernecks Betting Preview

The Western Illinois Leathernecks lost to Lindenwood and SIU Edwardsville, and they play Southeast Missouri State next. Western Illinois has lost 5 of its last 8 games.

The Western Illinois Leathernecks are averaging 73.9 points on 42.6 percent shooting and allowing 81.4 points on 45.6 percent shooting. Lucas Lorenzen is averaging 14.5 points and 4.5 rebounds, while Antwaun Massey is averaging 11.3 points and 3.8 rebounds. Isaiah Griffin is the third double-digit scorer, and Francis Okwuosah is dishing 0.8 assists. The Western Illinois Leathernecks are shooting 31.1 percent from beyond the arc and 66.8 percent from the free throw line. The Western Illinois Leathernecks are allowing 36.8 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 33.3 rebounds per game.

UT Martin Skyhawks Betting Preview

The UT Martin Skyhawks lost to Tennessee State, beat Tennessee Tech, and they play Eastern Illinois next. UT Martin has won 6 of its last 9 games.

The UT Martin Skyhawks are averaging 82.8 points on 44.4 percent shooting and allowing 71.7 points on 40 percent shooting. Andrija Bukumirovic is averaging 15.9 points and 0.7 assists, while Matas Deniusas is averaging 14.1 points and 4.6 rebounds. Dragos Lungu is the third double-digit scorer and Filip Petovski is grabbing 3.9 rebounds. The UT Martin Skyhawks are shooting 32.4 percent from beyond the arc and 66.4 percent from the free throw line. The UT Martin Skyhawks are allowing 27.8 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 42.2 rebounds per game.

Why the UT Martin Skyhawks will win

• UT Martin has won 19 of its last 21 day games at Kathleen and Tom Elam Center against non-AP-ranked opponents.
• Western Illinois has lost seven of its last eight road games against the Ohio Valley Conference.
• UT Martin has won the first half in six of its last seven day games against Conference opponents.

Why the Western Illinois Leathernecks will win

• Western Illinois has won three of its last four day games.

Total Points Facts

• Nineteen of UT Martin’s last 22 day games against non-AP-ranked opponents at Kathleen and Tom Elam Center have produced a total of 138+ points.
• Six of Western Illinois’ last seven road games against the Ohio Valley Conference have produced a total of 144+ points.

Matchup/League Facts

• UT Martin ranks 15th among Division 1 teams for opponent three-point percentage this season (27.8%).
• UT Martin ranks T23rd among Division 1 teams for rebounds per game this season (42.0).

Western Illinois vs UT Martin Prediction

UT Martin should have a field day offensively against this Western Illinois defense. However, this is a lot of points for an early start on New Year’s Day. UT Martin is just 5-4 ATS on the season, so it’s not a side I’m looking to lay big numbers. Also, Western Illinois gave SIU Edwardsville a scare and beat North Dakota outright on the road as a 7.5-point underdog. The underdog is 6-2 ATS in the 8 games between Western Illinois and UT Martin. It won’t be pretty to watch, but I’ll take a stab with the points.

Randy Chambers's Pick: Western Illinois +13.5