Cougars Edge Leathernecks in Close Contest
Monday, December 22, 2025, 4:30 PM ET · Western Hall
SIU Edwardsville Cougars 66, Western Illinois Leathernecks 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 Western Illinois Leathernecks?
SIU Edwardsville Cougars beat Western Illinois Leathernecks 66-61 at Western Hall on December 22, 2025.
Who was favored in SIU Edwardsville Cougars vs Western Illinois Leathernecks?
SIU Edwardsville Cougars were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -278 (about 74% implied). The favorite won.
The SIU Edwardsville Cougars secured a narrow victory over the Western Illinois Leathernecks with a final score of 66-61. This matchup, held at Western Hall, showcased the Cougars' ability to close out a game under pressure, marking their continued success against the Leathernecks, having now won all three meetings this season. In their previous encounters, the Cougars defeated the Leathernecks 77-66 on January 3, 2025, and 69-65 on February 1, 2025, demonstrating a clear dominance in this rivalry.
Entering this game, the Leathernecks held a home record of 4-9, while the Cougars boasted a stronger away record of 8-5. The Leathernecks were struggling, having a recent record of 4-6 in their last ten games, with an average of 69.3 points scored and 75.4 points allowed. Their most recent outing resulted in a loss to the Lindenwood Lions, where they fell 76-92. In contrast, the Cougars had a mixed record of 5-5 in their last ten games, averaging 73.7 points scored and 69.3 points allowed. They faced a setback in their last game against the Eastern Illinois Panthers, losing 72-76.
The game was closely contested, highlighting the contrasting styles of both teams. The Leathernecks, who had struggled defensively, were unable to contain the Cougars in key moments. The Cougars' scoring was bolstered by crucial free throws in the second half, particularly from Jo Valrie and Ring Malith, who combined to extend their lead late in the game. With the score tied at 60, Jack Campion's 31-foot three-point jumper gave the Cougars the momentum they needed to pull ahead.
In terms of home and away performance, the Leathernecks had a home record of 3-2 in their last five games, while the Cougars had a slightly better away record of 2-3. The Cougars' ability to perform well on the road was evident as they managed to secure the win despite the challenging environment of Western Hall.
As for injuries, the block did not provide specific details on player availability, but both teams have had to navigate their share of challenges throughout the season. The Cougars were favored in the betting market, with DraftKings listing them at -6.5, indicating confidence in their performance against the Leathernecks. The total points line was set at 138.5, reflecting expectations for a competitive scoring affair.
The conditions for the game were typical for a December evening, with a lively atmosphere as fans filled the stands to support their teams. Viewers were treated to a game that showcased resilience and strategic play, particularly from the Cougars, who executed their game plan effectively in the second half.
Overall, the Cougars’ victory not only adds to their positive momentum but also highlights the ongoing struggles of the Leathernecks, who will need to regroup and reassess their strategies moving forward.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | SIUE -6.5 | 138.5 o -108 / u -112 | SIU Edwardsville Cougars -278 · Western Illinois Leathernecks +225 |
Leaders
- PointsLucas Lorenzen19Western Illinois Leathernecks
- AssistsAntwaun Massey2Western Illinois Leathernecks
- ReboundsKaryiek Dixon6Western Illinois Leathernecks
- PointsRing Malith24SIU Edwardsville Cougars
- AssistsJack Campion5SIU Edwardsville Cougars
- ReboundsRing Malith6SIU Edwardsville Cougars
Recent form
Western Illinois Leathernecks
Last 10: 4-6Streak L169.3 scored · 75.4 allowed per game3-2 at home
- L76-92at Lindenwood LionsDec 19
- W69-66at North Dakota Fighting HawksDec 13
- W78-47vs Hannibal LaGrange TrojansDec 6
- L57-108at Drake BulldogsDec 3
- W89-73vs St. Ambrose Fighting BeesNov 30
- L69-78vs North Dakota Fighting HawksNov 24
- L64-84vs Coastal Carolina ChanticleersNov 22
- W74-63vs Coe KohawksNov 18
- L59-69at California Baptist LancersNov 15
- L58-74at Cal State Bakersfield RoadrunnersNov 12
SIU Edwardsville Cougars
Last 10: 5-5Streak L173.7 scored · 69.3 allowed per game2-3 away
- 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
- W61-59at Drake BulldogsNov 15
- L55-64vs Indiana State SycamoresNov 11
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 | SIU Edwardsville Cougars | Western Illinois Leathernecks |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 20-51 | 21-50 |
| Field goal % | 39 | 42 |
| Three-pointers | 8-20 | 4-13 |
| Three-point % | 40 | 31 |
| Free throws | 18-23 | 15-22 |
| Free throw % | 78 | 68 |
| Rebounds | 31 | 22 |
| Offensive rebounds | 7 | 4 |
| Defensive rebounds | 24 | 18 |
| Assists | 8 | 8 |
| Steals | 6 | 7 |
| Blocks | 2 | 2 |
| Turnovers | 17 | 13 |
| Team turnovers | 4 | 1 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 22 | 20 |
| Fast-break points | 6 | 9 |
| Points in the paint | 22 | 28 |
| Fouls | 18 | 18 |
| Largest lead | 7 | 14 |
| Lead changes | 5 | 5 |
| Time in front | 23 | 70 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half29-39Makai Kvamme makes layup (Antwaun Massey assists)
- 2nd Half31-39Kyle Thomas makes layup
- 2nd Half31-41Lucas Lorenzen makes 16-foot jumper
- 2nd Half33-41CJ Hall makes 4-foot jumper
- 2nd Half33-43Lucas Lorenzen makes layup
- 2nd Half33-44Lucas Lorenzen makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half33-46Lucas Lorenzen makes layup
- 2nd Half34-46Darrion Baker makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half37-46Darrion Baker makes 25-foot three point jumper (Jack Campion assists)
- 2nd Half37-49Lucas Lorenzen makes 26-foot three point jumper (Karyiek Dixon assists)
- 2nd Half37-50Lucas Lorenzen makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half37-51Lucas Lorenzen makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half39-51Kyle Thomas makes layup (Darrion Baker assists)
- 2nd Half42-51Ring Malith makes 28-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half44-51Ring Malith makes layup
- 2nd Half45-51Ring Malith makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half45-53Antwaun Massey makes layup
- 2nd Half45-54Antwaun Massey makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half46-54Jack Campion makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half47-54Jack Campion makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half48-54Ring Malith makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half49-54Ring Malith makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half52-54Ring Malith makes 31-foot three point jumper (Jack Campion assists)
- 2nd Half52-55Lucas Lorenzen makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half52-56Lucas Lorenzen makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half53-56Jordan Pickett makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half54-56Jordan Pickett makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half54-58Isaiah Griffin makes 16-foot jumper (Antwaun Massey assists)
- 2nd Half56-58Ring Malith makes 4-foot jumper
- 2nd Half56-59Isaiah Griffin makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half56-60Isaiah Griffin makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half57-60Darrion Baker makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half60-60Jack Campion makes 31-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half61-60Jo Valrie makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half62-60Jo Valrie makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half63-60Ring Malith makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half64-60Ring Malith makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half64-61Antwaun Massey makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half65-61Ring Malith makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half66-61Ring Malith makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Western Illinois Leathernecks, below favours SIU Edwardsville Cougars.
Venue
- Western HallMacomb, IL
- Attendance628
- OfficialsSteve Honacki, Eric Lowe, Steve Divine
Elsewhere
- Carson Crawford, No. 46 in '27 class, commits to Arizona St.
- Tennessee's Ralph Scott to have knee surgery, out at least 6 months
- 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