Eastern Illinois Panthers vs UT Martin Skyhawks Picks and Predictions for Thursday March 5 2026

By: Kim Smith Published 03/05/2026, 02:30 AM ET

The Eastern Illinois Panthers and UT Martin Skyhawks meet in the OVC Championship Quarterfinal on Thursday, March 5, 2026 at the Ford Center in Evansville, Indiana. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:00 PM ET, and the game will be televised on ESPN+. According to DraftKings, UT Martin enters as a 6.5-point favorite with the total set at 122.5. For more insight into today’s matchups, be sure to check out our free college basketball picks for additional betting predictions and analysis.

Eastern Illinois Panthers Try to Carry Momentum

Eastern Illinois enters this OVC Championship quarterfinal with a 13-19 overall record and an 8-12 mark in OVC play. The Panthers advanced to this round after recently winning over SIU Edwardsville 77-71 in overtime during the first round of the tournament. Over their last five games, Eastern Illinois has recently won over SIU Edwardsville and Lindenwood while recently losing to SIU Edwardsville, Southern Indiana, and Morehead State.

The Panthers average 66.9 points per game while allowing 70.5 points per contest this season. Eastern Illinois shoots 42% from the field, averages 32.7 rebounds per game, and contributes 12.2 assists per contest. Defensively, they generate 7.8 steals and 3.0 blocks per game, often relying on defensive pressure to stay competitive despite their lower scoring output.

In the first-round overtime win against SIU Edwardsville, Zion Fruster led Eastern Illinois with 23 points on 10-of-14 shooting, providing an efficient scoring performance. Terry McMorris controlled the boards with 13 rebounds, helping the Panthers compete inside despite a slight rebounding disadvantage overall in the game. With the quick turnaround in tournament play, Eastern Illinois will rely on Fruster’s scoring efficiency and McMorris’ rebounding presence to remain competitive.

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UT Martin Skyhawks Seek Bounce-Back Performance

UT Martin enters this OVC Championship quarterfinal with a 21-10 overall record and a 13-7 conference record. The Skyhawks earned a strong seed in the tournament thanks to their consistent play during conference action. Over their last five games, UT Martin has recently won over Tennessee Tech and SIU Edwardsville while recently losing to Tennessee State, Little Rock, and Southeast Missouri State.

The Skyhawks average 70.4 points per game while allowing just 63.0 points per contest, making them one of the stronger defensive teams in the OVC. UT Martin shoots 42% from the field, averages 40.3 rebounds per game, and records 13.6 assists per contest. Defensively, the Skyhawks contribute 8.9 steals and 4.4 blocks per game, showing the ability to disrupt opposing offenses while protecting the rim.

In their most recent game against Tennessee State, Matas Deniusas led UT Martin with 13 points on 4-of-8 shooting, providing the primary scoring option in an otherwise difficult offensive outing. Pedro Santos led the team with six rebounds, but UT Martin struggled on the boards and shot just 33% from the field overall. The Skyhawks will need a much stronger offensive performance in this matchup, but their defensive structure and rebounding ability could allow them to control the pace.

Eastern Illinois vs UT Martin Pick

Eastern Illinois vs UT Martin Spread Pick

UT Martin -6.5

UT Martin has been one of the better defensive teams in the OVC this season, and that defensive identity should play well in tournament basketball. Eastern Illinois is coming off an overtime game and will face a quick turnaround, which could impact their energy level late in the contest. The Skyhawks also hold a significant rebounding advantage and typically control the pace with their defense. With fresher legs and a more balanced roster, UT Martin should be able to pull away and cover the spread.

Eastern Illinois vs UT Martin Total Pick

Under 122.5

I like the under in this matchup because both teams rely heavily on defense and half-court offense. Eastern Illinois averages fewer than 67 points per game, and UT Martin typically slows the pace and forces opponents into tough shots. With the Panthers potentially fatigued after an overtime game and the Skyhawks emphasizing defense and rebounding, I expect a slower, grind-it-out game that stays below the total.

Final Score Prediction: UT Martin 66, Eastern Illinois 56

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