UT Martin Skyhawks vs Eastern Illinois Panthers Picks and Predictions January 3rd 2026

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Eastern Illinois Panthers vs UT Martin Skyhawks Betting Preview

UT Martin returns home Saturday with a perfect 7-0 record at the Elam Center and a clear edge in this Ohio Valley matchup. The Skyhawks have controlled games with rebounding and half-court defense, which has translated well in conference play. You can follow live pricing and updates on the NCAA basketball odds page.

Eastern Illinois continues to search for its first road win. The Panthers have shown flashes offensively, but consistency away from home has been a problem. That puts pressure on them to keep this game within reach early.

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Line Movement and Odds

UT Martin opened as a sizable favorite and sits at −9.5, reflecting the gap in efficiency and home performance. The Skyhawks are priced near −550 on the moneyline, while Eastern Illinois returns +380.

The total is set at 134.5, a number shaped by UT Martin’s slower tempo and Eastern Illinois’ scoring struggles. For similar conference matchups and market setups, the college basketball previews page offers useful comparisons.

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Matchup Breakdown

Eastern Illinois needs shot efficiency and free throws to stay competitive. Andre Washington remains the primary scoring option, while Preston Turner provides reliable shooting when opportunities open. The Panthers can score in spurts, but turnovers and rebounding gaps have limited their margin for error.

UT Martin’s advantage starts on the glass. The Skyhawks rank top-30 nationally in rebounding and use that edge to control possessions. Filip Radaković, Andrija Bukumirović, and Matas Deniusas form a balanced frontcourt that wears teams down over 40 minutes. If UT Martin dictates pace, Eastern Illinois struggles to generate enough offense.

For trend-based insight and supporting projections, check the free college basketball picks section.

Injuries and Conditions

Eastern Illinois

No significant injuries reported.
Full details: Eastern Illinois team page

UT Martin

No major rotation issues entering Saturday.
Full details: UT Martin team page

This is an indoor game, so conditions will not affect pace or shooting.

Best Bets and Prediction

UT Martin’s rebounding edge and home-court control create separation. Eastern Illinois’ road issues make it difficult to trust them inside the number.

Projected Score: UT Martin 74, Eastern Illinois 60
Best Bet: UT Martin −9.5
Secondary Lean: Under 134.5

For bankroll discipline and situational betting angles, the Bettors Handbook is a strong reference.

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