Morehead State Edges SIU Edwardsville in Close Contest
Saturday, January 3, 2026, 4:30 PM ET · First Community Arena
Morehead State Eagles 73, SIU Edwardsville Cougars 72, 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 Morehead State Eagles vs SIU Edwardsville Cougars?
Morehead State Eagles beat SIU Edwardsville Cougars 73-72 at First Community Arena on January 3, 2026.
Who was favored in Morehead State Eagles vs SIU Edwardsville Cougars?
SIU Edwardsville Cougars were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -198 (about 66% implied). The underdog won.
In a thrilling matchup at the First Community Arena, the Morehead State Eagles narrowly defeated the SIU Edwardsville Cougars with a final score of 73-72. This game showcased the competitive nature of both teams, with Morehead State improving their record to 8-8, while SIU Edwardsville fell to 9-7. The fixture was particularly noteworthy as it marked the continuation of a close rivalry, with Morehead State now holding a 3-0 advantage in their recent meetings against the Cougars.
Both teams entered the game with contrasting recent forms. The Cougars had a record of 6-4 over their last ten games, including a two-game winning streak prior to this match. They averaged 74.6 points scored while allowing 68.6 points per game during this stretch. Their last five games saw them winning three, with an average of 73.4 points scored and 65.8 allowed. At home, SIU Edwardsville had a solid record of 4-1, highlighting their strength on their own court.
In contrast, the Eagles had a record of 5-5 in their last ten games, with their most recent outing resulting in a loss to the Lindenwood Lions. Morehead State averaged 79.1 points scored and allowed 72.3 points during this span. Their last five games also reflected a 3-2 record, with an average of 78.6 points scored and 69.2 allowed. However, their away record stood at 2-5, indicating challenges when playing outside their home venue.
The teams had met twice earlier in the season, with SIU Edwardsville winning both encounters. The first meeting on January 25, 2025, ended with a score of 65-54 in favor of the Cougars, and the second on February 21, 2025, saw them winning decisively 80-62. This history added an extra layer of intrigue to the matchup, as Morehead State sought to turn the tide.
In terms of player availability, the block did not provide specific details on injuries affecting either team, which could have influenced the outcome. However, the absence of key players often plays a crucial role in basketball games, and it would be prudent for fans to consider this aspect when assessing team performance.
The betting market, as reported by DraftKings, had SIU Edwardsville favored with a spread of -4.5, indicating expectations of a close game. The total points line was set at 131.5, reflecting a belief in a moderately high-scoring affair. The moneyline odds were -198 for the Cougars and 164 for the Eagles, further emphasizing the competitive nature of the matchup.
Conditions during the game were not detailed in the block, but typically, factors such as crowd support, arena atmosphere, and even weather can play a role in the dynamics of college basketball games. The First Community Arena is known for its lively environment, which likely contributed to the intensity of the contest.
As the game progressed, several key scoring plays defined the final moments. Jon Carroll made a crucial layup, followed by a free throw, bringing Morehead State within striking distance. Arnas Sakenis then added to the Eagles' score with a layup, while George Marshall's tip-in layup helped maintain the pressure. A series of three-point shots from Vince Dawson III and George Marshall shifted the momentum, culminating in Chase Dawson's three-pointer that put Morehead State ahead 73-71. Darius Robinson Jr. sealed the victory with two free throws, ensuring the Eagles left with the win.
Overall, this matchup was a testament to the competitive spirit of both teams, with Morehead State demonstrating resilience and skill to overcome SIU Edwardsville in a hard-fought battle.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | SIUE -4.5 | 131.5 o -112 / u -108 | Morehead State Eagles +164 · SIU Edwardsville Cougars -198 |
Leaders
- PointsDarrion Baker15SIU Edwardsville Cougars
- AssistsCJ Hall5SIU Edwardsville Cougars
- ReboundsDarrion Baker5SIU Edwardsville Cougars
- PointsChase Dawson17Morehead State Eagles
- AssistsGeorge Marshall4Morehead State Eagles
- ReboundsJon Carroll8Morehead State Eagles
Recent form
SIU Edwardsville Cougars
Last 10: 6-4Streak W274.6 scored · 68.6 allowed per game4-1 at home
- W59-55vs Southern Indiana Screaming EaglesJan 1
- W66-61at Western Illinois LeathernecksDec 22
- L72-76at Eastern Illinois PanthersDec 18
- W97-54vs Eureka Red DevilsDec 14
- L73-83vs Western Michigan BroncosDec 6
- W72-63at North Florida OspreysDec 3
- W92-55vs Missouri Baptist SpartansNov 28
- W83-68vs Alabama State HornetsNov 23
- L63-77at Air Force FalconsNov 21
- L69-94at Wisconsin BadgersNov 18
Morehead State Eagles
Last 10: 5-5Streak L179.1 scored · 72.3 allowed per game2-5 away
- L64-77at Lindenwood LionsJan 1
- W115-65vs Alice Lloyd EaglesDec 28
- W64-60at Southern Indiana Screaming EaglesDec 20
- W78-64vs Little Rock TrojansDec 17
- L72-80at Presbyterian Blue HoseDec 6
- L52-84at Murray State RacersDec 3
- L80-85at IU Indianapolis JaguarsNov 29
- W83-80at UL Monroe WarhawksNov 23
- L62-77at East Tennessee State BuccaneersNov 22
- W121-51vs Kentucky Christian KnightsNov 16
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 |
Box score
| Stat | Morehead State Eagles | SIU Edwardsville Cougars |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 25-47 | 26-59 |
| Field goal % | 53 | 44 |
| Three-pointers | 6-17 | 8-23 |
| Three-point % | 35 | 35 |
| Free throws | 17-22 | 12-16 |
| Free throw % | 77 | 75 |
| Rebounds | 28 | 31 |
| Offensive rebounds | 8 | 13 |
| Defensive rebounds | 20 | 18 |
| Assists | 16 | 15 |
| Steals | 5 | 7 |
| Blocks | 3 | 3 |
| Turnovers | 15 | 9 |
| Team turnovers | 1 | 1 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 1 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 11 | 16 |
| Fast-break points | 15 | 7 |
| Points in the paint | 34 | 28 |
| Fouls | 14 | 19 |
| Largest lead | 7 | 15 |
| Lead changes | 8 | 8 |
| Time in front | 31 | 54 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half36-38Arnas Sakenis makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half38-38Jon Carroll makes layup (Tyonne Farrell assists)
- 2nd Half38-40Darrion Baker makes 11-foot floating jump shot
- 2nd Half40-40Clayton Parker makes 5-foot hook shot
- 2nd Half40-42Arnas Sakenis makes layup (Jo Valrie assists)
- 2nd Half41-42Chase Dawson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half42-42Chase Dawson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half42-44Jo Valrie makes layup
- 2nd Half44-44Davion Cunningham makes layup
- 2nd Half46-44Tamaury Releford makes 8-foot jumper
- 2nd Half46-46CJ Hall makes 15-foot jumper
- 2nd Half46-49Harrison Alexander makes 24-foot three point jumper (CJ Hall assists)
- 2nd Half48-49Tamaury Releford makes layup (Clayton Parker assists)
- 2nd Half48-52CJ Hall makes 22-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half48-54Arnas Sakenis makes layup (CJ Hall assists)
- 2nd Half50-54Jon Carroll makes 2-foot dunk (Clayton Parker assists)
- 2nd Half50-56Harrison Alexander makes 10-foot turnaround jump shot
- 2nd Half52-56George Marshall makes 4-foot dunk (Jon Carroll assists)
- 2nd Half52-58Tyler King makes layup
- 2nd Half52-61CJ Hall makes 26-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half52-63Arnas Sakenis makes 4-foot dunk (CJ Hall assists)
- 2nd Half52-64Tyler King makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half52-65Tyler King makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half52-66Darrion Baker makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half52-67Darrion Baker makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half54-67Jon Carroll makes layup
- 2nd Half55-67Jon Carroll makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half55-69Darrion Baker makes 19-foot jumper (Jack Campion assists)
- 2nd Half56-69Jon Carroll makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half57-69Jon Carroll makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half58-69Chase Dawson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half59-69Chase Dawson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half61-69Jon Carroll makes layup (George Marshall assists)
- 2nd Half62-69Jon Carroll makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half62-71Arnas Sakenis makes layup (Tyler King assists)
- 2nd Half64-71George Marshall makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half67-71Vince Dawson III makes 22-foot three point jumper (George Marshall assists)
- 2nd Half70-71George Marshall makes 24-foot three point jumper (Chase Dawson assists)
- 2nd Half73-71Chase Dawson makes 23-foot three point jumper (George Marshall assists)
- 2nd Half73-72Darius Robinson Jr. makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours SIU Edwardsville Cougars, below favours Morehead State Eagles.
Venue
- First Community ArenaEdwardsville, IL
- Attendance1869
- OfficialsSean West, Nate Gamet, Sean Samsel
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