Little Rock Trojans Defeat Eastern Illinois Panthers 74-63
Thursday, January 15, 2026, 8:30 PM ET · Jack Stephens Center
Little Rock Trojans 74, Eastern Illinois Panthers 63, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Eastern Illinois Panthers vs Little Rock Trojans?
Little Rock Trojans beat Eastern Illinois Panthers 74-63 at Jack Stephens Center on January 15, 2026.
Who was favored in Eastern Illinois Panthers vs Little Rock Trojans?
Little Rock Trojans were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -258 (about 72% implied). The favorite won.
In a decisive matchup at the Jack Stephens Center, the Little Rock Trojans secured a 74-63 victory over the Eastern Illinois Panthers. This win marks a significant achievement for the Trojans, who have struggled in previous encounters against the Panthers, holding a record of 0-2-1 in their last three meetings. The Trojans' recent form has shown improvement, with a record of 5-5 in their last ten games, including a two-game winning streak. They averaged 73.3 points scored while allowing 77.5 points per game during this stretch.
The Panthers, on the other hand, also posted a 5-5 record in their last ten games, but their scoring average was lower at 69.4 points, while allowing 67.5 points. The Panthers had been on a three-game winning streak leading into this match, showcasing a notable turnaround in their performance. However, their away record has been concerning, as they have yet to secure a win on the road this season, holding an 0-3 record away from home.
The Trojans' scoring has been particularly effective in their recent games, as they averaged 81.8 points in their last five outings. This offensive output was crucial in their victory against the Panthers, who struggled to keep pace. The Trojans' home record stands at 2-2, while the Panthers have a home record of 5-2, indicating a disparity in performance when playing in front of their home crowd versus on the road.
In terms of previous meetings, the last three encounters between these teams have not favored the Trojans. In their last game on February 28, 2025, the Trojans lost 60-71, and they also fell short in a close contest on January 27, 2025, losing 54-56. The only non-defeat came in the form of a draw on December 21, 2024, with a score of 0-0, which is atypical in basketball.
In this match, the Trojans were able to capitalize on their home advantage, bolstered by the support of their fans. The conditions in the arena were conducive to a high-energy game, and the Trojans took full advantage of this atmosphere. The market had Little Rock favored by 6.5 points, according to DraftKings, with a total set at 133.5. The odds reflected the expectations of a competitive game, but the Trojans ultimately exceeded those expectations with their performance.
Key players for the Trojans included Kachi Nzeh and Johnathan Lawson, who made significant contributions in the second half. Nzeh hit a crucial 24-foot three-point jumper that tied the game at 63, while Lawson followed up with a 25-foot three-pointer that put the Trojans ahead. The Trojans' ability to execute in critical moments was evident as they closed out the game with a series of scoring plays that maintained their lead.
The scoring plays in the second half showcased the Trojans' offensive strategy, with multiple assists leading to successful shots. Cameron Wallace's driving layup and subsequent dunk, along with Nzeh's dunk, were pivotal in building momentum for the Trojans as they pulled away in the final minutes of the game.
Overall, the victory for the Trojans not only improves their record to 9-10 but also reinforces their position in the league as they look to build on this success. The Panthers, now at a record of 7-12, will need to regroup and address their away performance as they continue their season. The Trojans will look to carry this momentum into their next matchup, while the Panthers will seek to find their footing on the road.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | LR -6.5 | 133.5 o -112 / u -108 | Eastern Illinois Panthers +210 · Little Rock Trojans -258 |
Leaders
- PointsKachi Nzeh17Little Rock Trojans
- AssistsJohnathan Lawson8Little Rock Trojans
- ReboundsCameron Wallace10Little Rock Trojans
- PointsZion Fruster14Eastern Illinois Panthers
- AssistsAndre Washington3Eastern Illinois Panthers
- ReboundsNazareth Fisher8Eastern Illinois Panthers
Recent form
Little Rock Trojans
Last 10: 5-5Streak W273.3 scored · 77.5 allowed per game2-2 at home
- W82-74at Lindenwood LionsJan 10
- W73-70at SIU Edwardsville CougarsJan 9
- L79-84vs Tennessee State TigersJan 3
- W77-58vs Tennessee Tech Golden EaglesJan 1
- W98-84vs Williams Baptist EaglesDec 23
- W77-62at Southern Indiana Screaming EaglesDec 19
- L64-78at Morehead State EaglesDec 17
- L58-90at West Virginia MountaineersDec 10
- L78-90vs Arkansas State Red WolvesDec 7
- L47-85at Central Arkansas BearsDec 4
Eastern Illinois Panthers
Last 10: 5-5Streak W369.4 scored · 67.5 allowed per game0-3 away
- W57-55vs Western Illinois LeathernecksJan 14
- W74-70vs Tennessee State TigersJan 10
- W71-61vs Tennessee Tech Golden EaglesJan 9
- L61-65at UT Martin SkyhawksJan 3
- L59-68at Southeast Missouri State RedhawksJan 2
- W110-56vs East West PhantomsDec 22
- W76-72vs SIU Edwardsville CougarsDec 18
- L53-78at Iowa State CyclonesDec 14
- L59-68vs Eastern Kentucky ColonelsDec 11
- L74-82vs Lindenwood LionsDec 7
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tennessee State | 23-10 | - | 15-5 |
| Morehead State | 20-13 | - | 15-5 |
| Southeast Missouri State | 20-13 | 1 | 14-6 |
| UT Martin | 22-11 | 2 | 13-7 |
| SIU Edwardsville | 19-13 | 3 | 12-8 |
| Lindenwood | 18-15 | 4 | 11-9 |
| Little Rock | 12-20 | 6 | 9-11 |
| Tennessee Tech | 13-18 | 6 | 8-12 |
| Eastern Illinois | 13-20 | 7 | 8-12 |
| Southern Indiana | 7-23 | 11 | 4-16 |
| Western Illinois | 5-26 | 14 | 1-19 |
| Utah Valley | 25-9 | - | 14-4 |
| California Baptist | 25-9 | 1 | 13-5 |
| Utah Tech | 19-15 | 2 | 11-7 |
| UT Arlington | 18-14 | 5 | 9-9 |
| Southern Utah | 10-22 | 7 | 6-12 |
| Tarleton State | 14-18 | 9 | 5-13 |
| Abilene Christian | 14-19 | 9 | 5-13 |
Box score
| Stat | Eastern Illinois Panthers | Little Rock Trojans |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 24-53 | 26-58 |
| Field goal % | 45 | 45 |
| Three-pointers | 7-19 | 8-20 |
| Three-point % | 37 | 40 |
| Free throws | 8-10 | 14-17 |
| Free throw % | 80 | 82 |
| Rebounds | 28 | 36 |
| Offensive rebounds | 9 | 15 |
| Defensive rebounds | 19 | 21 |
| Assists | 9 | 17 |
| Steals | 6 | 8 |
| Blocks | 3 | 5 |
| Turnovers | 17 | 12 |
| Team turnovers | 2 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 11 | 31 |
| Fast-break points | 2 | 12 |
| Points in the paint | 26 | 32 |
| Fouls | 14 | 9 |
| Largest lead | 9 | 11 |
| Lead changes | 3 | 3 |
| Time in front | 80 | 7 |
How the scoring went
- 1st Half34-25Meechie White makes 5-foot pullup jump shot
- 1st Half34-28Braxton Bayless makes 27-foot three point jumper
- 1st Half34-30Braxton Bayless makes 9-foot pullup jump shot
- 1st Half37-30Zion Fruster makes 22-foot three point jumper (Meechie White assists)
- 2nd Half37-32Tuongthach Gatkek makes layup (Johnathan Lawson assists)
- 2nd Half40-32Meechie White makes 26-foot three point jumper (Zion Fruster assists)
- 2nd Half40-34Cameron Wallace makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half42-34Zion Fruster makes 17-foot pullup jump shot (Meechie White assists)
- 2nd Half43-34Kooper Jacobi makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half43-37Johnathan Lawson makes 27-foot three point jumper (Cameron Wallace assists)
- 2nd Half43-39Tuongthach Gatkek makes 1-foot dunk
- 2nd Half43-40Johnathan Lawson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half43-41Johnathan Lawson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half45-41Nazareth Fisher makes 3-foot dunk (Meechie White assists)
- 2nd Half45-42Kachi Nzeh makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half45-43Kachi Nzeh makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half45-46Johnathan Lawson makes 26-foot three point jumper (Kachi Nzeh assists)
- 2nd Half48-46Kooper Jacobi makes 23-foot three point jumper (Andre Washington assists)
- 2nd Half50-46Malik Olafioye makes 14-foot pullup jump shot
- 2nd Half52-46Andre Washington makes driving layup
- 2nd Half52-47Braxton Bayless makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half52-48Braxton Bayless makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half53-48Andre Washington makes free throw 2 of 3
- 2nd Half54-48Andre Washington makes free throw 3 of 3
- 2nd Half56-48Prince Johnson makes layup
- 2nd Half56-51Kachi Nzeh makes 25-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half58-51Andre Washington makes layup
- 2nd Half58-53Cameron Wallace makes layup (Johnathan Lawson assists)
- 2nd Half58-56Kachi Nzeh makes 24-foot three point jumper (Cameron Wallace assists)
- 2nd Half60-56Prince Johnson makes layup
- 2nd Half60-57Johnathan Lawson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half60-58Johnathan Lawson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half63-58Zion Fruster makes 25-foot three point jumper (Andre Washington assists)
- 2nd Half63-60Truman Claytor IV makes 14-foot jumper (Cameron Wallace assists)
- 2nd Half63-63Kachi Nzeh makes 24-foot three point jumper (Johnathan Lawson assists)
- 2nd Half63-65Cameron Wallace makes driving layup
- 2nd Half63-68Johnathan Lawson makes 25-foot three point jumper (Kachi Nzeh assists)
- 2nd Half63-70Cameron Wallace makes 2-foot dunk (Johnathan Lawson assists)
- 2nd Half63-72Kachi Nzeh makes 2-foot dunk (Johnathan Lawson assists)
- 2nd Half63-74Truman Claytor IV makes 3-foot dunk
Win probability
Above the line favours Little Rock Trojans, below favours Eastern Illinois Panthers.
Venue
- Jack Stephens CenterLittle Rock, AR
- Attendance1263
- OfficialsTucson Grigg, Alex Manuel, Tim Fitzgerald
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