Cougars Defeat Trojans in Key NCAAB Matchup
Saturday, February 7, 2026, 4:00 PM ET · Jack Stephens Center
SIU Edwardsville Cougars 71, Little Rock Trojans 61, 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 SIU Edwardsville Cougars vs Little Rock Trojans?
SIU Edwardsville Cougars beat Little Rock Trojans 71-61 at Jack Stephens Center on February 7, 2026.
Who was favored in SIU Edwardsville Cougars vs Little Rock Trojans?
Little Rock Trojans were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -135 (about 57% implied). The underdog won.
In a decisive clash at the Jack Stephens Center, the SIU Edwardsville Cougars triumphed over the Little Rock Trojans with a final score of 71-61. This victory adds to the Cougars' strong season, improving their record to 17-9, while the Trojans fell to 9-17. The matchup was significant not only for the standings but also because it showcased the contrasting trajectories of both teams as the season progresses.
The Cougars entered the game with a recent record of 6-4 over their last ten games and were riding a two-game winning streak, having defeated Lindenwood Lions and Southern Indiana Screaming Eagles in their previous outings. They averaged 67.2 points scored and allowed 63.7 points during this stretch, demonstrating solid defensive capabilities. In contrast, the Trojans struggled significantly, with a record of 4-6 in their last ten games and a five-game losing streak leading into this contest. Their scoring average dipped to 66.2 points while allowing 72.2 points, indicating defensive vulnerabilities that the Cougars were able to exploit.
The Trojans' home record stood at 9-16, with a mixed performance of 2-2 in their last four home games. The Cougars, on the other hand, boasted a respectable away record of 16-9, showcasing their ability to perform outside of their home venue. This game was particularly noteworthy as it was a rematch from earlier in the season, where the Trojans had edged out the Cougars 73-70 on January 9, 2026. However, the Cougars flipped the script in this encounter, demonstrating their growth and resilience.
In terms of injuries, the block did not provide specific details, but the absence of key players can often impact team performance, particularly in tightly contested games such as this one. The Cougars' recent form and their ability to adapt to challenges were evident as they executed their game plan effectively.
The betting market reflected the competitive nature of the matchup, with DraftKings setting the odds with Little Rock favored by 1.5 points, indicating that the game was expected to be closely contested. The total points line was set at 132.5, suggesting a moderate scoring expectation from both teams. The Cougars were given a moneyline of +114, while the Trojans were at -135, further emphasizing the perceived competitiveness of the fixture.
The conditions on the day of the game were not detailed in the block, but typical factors such as crowd support and venue familiarity can play a crucial role in home games. Fans at the Jack Stephens Center witnessed a spirited contest, with the Cougars ultimately taking control in the second half.
As the game progressed, key moments included Cameron Wallace making a crucial free throw to extend the Cougars' lead, followed by Kyle Thomas's layup, which pushed the score to 66-54. The Trojans attempted to mount a comeback, with Braxton Bayless contributing significantly, but it was not enough to overcome the deficit. The Cougars' defense held strong, allowing them to maintain their lead and secure the victory.
Overall, this matchup highlighted the contrasting fortunes of the two teams, with the Cougars continuing their upward trajectory while the Trojans face challenges as they seek to turn their season around.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | LR -1.5 | 132.5 o -112 / u -108 | SIU Edwardsville Cougars +114 · Little Rock Trojans -135 |
Leaders
- PointsJohnathan Lawson18Little Rock Trojans
- AssistsBraxton Bayless3Little Rock Trojans
- ReboundsBraxton Bayless8Little Rock Trojans
- PointsTyler King19SIU Edwardsville Cougars
- AssistsJack Campion8SIU Edwardsville Cougars
- ReboundsJack Campion9SIU Edwardsville Cougars
Recent form
Little Rock Trojans
Last 10: 4-6Streak L572.5 scored · 73.1 allowed per game2-2 at home
- L74-79vs Lindenwood LionsFeb 6
- L52-55at UT Martin SkyhawksFeb 4
- L77-87at Tennessee Tech Golden EaglesJan 31
- L63-70at Tennessee State TigersJan 30
- L65-70at Southeast Missouri State RedhawksJan 23
- W86-79vs Western Illinois LeathernecksJan 17
- W74-63vs Eastern Illinois PanthersJan 16
- W82-74at Lindenwood LionsJan 10
- W73-70at SIU Edwardsville CougarsJan 9
- L79-84vs Tennessee State TigersJan 3
SIU Edwardsville Cougars
Last 10: 6-4Streak W267.2 scored · 63.7 allowed per game3-2 away
- W78-72at Lindenwood LionsFeb 4
- W58-46at Southern Indiana Screaming EaglesFeb 1
- L65-67at Morehead State EaglesJan 30
- W62-58vs Tennessee Tech Golden EaglesJan 24
- W74-66vs Tennessee State TigersJan 23
- W68-55at Southeast Missouri State RedhawksJan 17
- L59-65at UT Martin SkyhawksJan 16
- L70-73vs Little Rock TrojansJan 9
- W66-62vs Lindenwood LionsJan 7
- L72-73vs Morehead State EaglesJan 3
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 | SIU Edwardsville Cougars | Little Rock Trojans |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 25-55 | 23-71 |
| Field goal % | 45 | 32 |
| Three-pointers | 8-21 | 8-21 |
| Three-point % | 38 | 38 |
| Free throws | 13-15 | 7-10 |
| Free throw % | 87 | 70 |
| Rebounds | 39 | 41 |
| Offensive rebounds | 5 | 16 |
| Defensive rebounds | 34 | 25 |
| Assists | 14 | 6 |
| Steals | 3 | 3 |
| Blocks | 5 | 5 |
| Turnovers | 11 | 7 |
| Team turnovers | 1 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 1 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 1 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 10 | 10 |
| Fast-break points | 10 | 3 |
| Points in the paint | 34 | 24 |
| Fouls | 13 | 14 |
| Largest lead | 20 | 2 |
| Lead changes | 2 | 2 |
| Time in front | 98 | 0 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half37-28Braxton Bayless makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half38-28Jo Valrie makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half39-28Jo Valrie makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half41-28Tyler King makes driving layup
- 2nd Half43-28Darrion Baker makes layup
- 2nd Half43-29Braxton Bayless makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half43-30Braxton Bayless makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half43-32Johnathan Lawson makes layup
- 2nd Half43-33Johnathan Lawson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half43-35Tuongthach Gatkek makes layup
- 2nd Half43-37Cameron Wallace makes layup
- 2nd Half45-37Jack Campion makes layup
- 2nd Half47-37Jack Campion makes layup
- 2nd Half47-39Truman Claytor IV makes layup
- 2nd Half49-39Darrion Baker makes layup
- 2nd Half50-39Darrion Baker makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half50-42Johnathan Lawson makes 26-foot three point jumper (Cameron Wallace assists)
- 2nd Half53-42CJ Hall makes 27-foot three point jumper (Jack Campion assists)
- 2nd Half53-43Johnathan Lawson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half53-44Johnathan Lawson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half55-44Kyle Thomas makes layup
- 2nd Half56-44Jack Campion makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half57-44Jack Campion makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half57-47Truman Claytor IV makes 26-foot three point jumper (Braxton Bayless assists)
- 2nd Half57-49Johnathan Lawson makes 16-foot jumper
- 2nd Half58-49Jack Campion makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half59-49Jack Campion makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half60-49Jack Campion makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half61-49Jack Campion makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half61-51Braxton Bayless makes 4-foot jumper
- 2nd Half64-51Tyler King makes 24-foot three point jumper (Jack Campion assists)
- 2nd Half64-53Cameron Wallace makes layup (Johnathan Lawson assists)
- 2nd Half64-54Cameron Wallace makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half66-54Kyle Thomas makes layup (Jack Campion assists)
- 2nd Half66-56Braxton Bayless makes 6-foot jumper
- 2nd Half68-56Arnas Sakenis makes 4-foot dunk (Tyler King assists)
- 2nd Half68-58Braxton Bayless makes 4-foot floating jump shot
- 2nd Half68-59Braxton Bayless makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half71-59CJ Hall makes 24-foot three point jumper (Tyler King assists)
- 2nd Half71-61Truman Claytor IV makes layup
Win probability
Above the line favours Little Rock Trojans, below favours SIU Edwardsville Cougars.
Venue
- Jack Stephens CenterLittle Rock, AR
- Attendance1966
- OfficialsChance Wallesen, Blake Thomas, Frederick Gipson
Elsewhere
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- Men's NCAA basketball 2026-27 Way-Too-Early Top 25 rankings
- Transfers, recruits and roster moves for key men's NCAA basketball teams
- Michigan 5-star freshman Brandon McCoy Jr. (knee) to miss season
- With $6.5 million left on deal, UCLA fires AD Martin Jarmond