Cougars Edge Screaming Eagles in Close Contest
Thursday, January 1, 2026, 4:30 PM ET · First Community Arena
SIU Edwardsville Cougars 59, Southern Indiana Screaming Eagles 55, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
The next free pick, for your email
Team, bet, price and the hash it was sealed under, on this page the moment you send. Lose or win, it stays public.
or by email
Public record of the main pick, losses included: 115 won, 44 lost. See every pick
One free pick a day by email until you unsubscribe, in one click. 21+.
Quick answers
Who won Southern Indiana Screaming Eagles vs SIU Edwardsville Cougars?
SIU Edwardsville Cougars beat Southern Indiana Screaming Eagles 59-55 at First Community Arena on January 1, 2026.
In a tightly contested matchup, the SIU Edwardsville Cougars narrowly defeated the Southern Indiana Screaming Eagles with a final score of 59-55 at the First Community Arena. This game was noteworthy as it showcased the Cougars' ability to secure a victory despite a challenging performance, while the Screaming Eagles continued to struggle in their season.
The Cougars entered the game with a home record of 9-5 and had shown a recent uptick in form, boasting a record of 6-4 over their last ten games, including a one-game winning streak. They averaged 74.8 points scored and 69.0 points allowed during this stretch. In their last five games, they averaged 76.0 points scored while allowing 67.4 points. Their recent performance included a win against the Western Illinois Leathernecks, where they secured a 66-61 victory.
On the other hand, the Southern Indiana Screaming Eagles had a significantly tougher season, coming into the game with a record of 3-10. Their recent form was even more concerning, as they had a record of 3-6-1 over their last ten games, with a two-game losing streak. Their scoring average was 65.3 points with an average of 66.3 points allowed. In their last five games, they struggled mightily, averaging only 50.2 points scored and allowing 61.2 points.
When looking at the home and away performances, the Cougars had a home record of 3-1 in their last four games, while the Screaming Eagles had a poor away record of 1-4. This disparity in form was evident in the game, where the Cougars managed to hold on for the win despite the Screaming Eagles' efforts.
The teams had previously met twice in the current season, splitting the series with each team winning one game. The Cougars had previously defeated the Screaming Eagles 82-76 on January 24, 2025, while the Screaming Eagles took the earlier matchup 82-68 on February 23, 2025.
In terms of injuries, the block did not provide any specific details regarding player availability, which could have influenced the game dynamics. However, the absence of key players can often have a significant impact on team performance, particularly in close contests such as this one.
The betting market, as reported by DraftKings, had the Cougars favored with a spread of -10.5, indicating expectations of a comfortable victory. The total points line was set at 136.5, reflecting an anticipated competitive scoring environment. The odds for the Cougars to win were not specified, but the Screaming Eagles had moneyline odds of 410.0, suggesting they were significant underdogs.
As for the conditions during the game, the block did not provide specific details on the weather or arena conditions. However, the atmosphere at the First Community Arena was likely charged, given the stakes of the matchup for both teams.
Throughout the game, viewers were treated to a display of defensive strategies, with both teams struggling to find consistent scoring. The Cougars managed to maintain a slight edge, particularly in the second half. Key moments included free throws from Ring Malith, who helped extend the Cougars' lead late in the game. The final scoring plays saw Malith convert crucial free throws that pushed the Cougars ahead, while the Screaming Eagles fought to close the gap but ultimately fell short.
In summary, the Cougars' victory over the Screaming Eagles highlighted their ability to secure wins in tight situations, while Southern Indiana continues to seek answers to their ongoing struggles this season.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | SIUE -10.5 | 136.5 o -115 / u -105 | Southern Indiana Screaming Eagles +410 · SIU Edwardsville Cougars — |
Leaders
- PointsRing Malith12SIU Edwardsville Cougars
- AssistsRing Malith2SIU Edwardsville Cougars
- ReboundsKyle Thomas8SIU Edwardsville Cougars
- PointsTolu Samuels14Southern Indiana Screaming Eagles
- AssistsIsmail Habib3Southern Indiana Screaming Eagles
- ReboundsTolu Samuels8Southern Indiana Screaming Eagles
Recent form
SIU Edwardsville Cougars
Last 10: 6-4Streak W174.8 scored · 69 allowed per game3-1 at home
- 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
- W61-59at Drake BulldogsNov 15
Southern Indiana Screaming Eagles
Last 10: 3-6-1Streak L265.3 scored · 66.3 allowed per game1-4 away
- L60-64vs Morehead State EaglesDec 20
- L62-77vs Little Rock TrojansDec 19
- D0-0vs East West PhantomsDec 16
- L55-77at Indiana State SycamoresDec 7
- L74-88at Western Michigan BroncosDec 4
- W93-56vs Kentucky State ThorobredsNov 29
- W64-56at Valparaiso BeaconsNov 26
- L73-84at UIC FlamesNov 22
- L81-87at Incarnate Word CardinalsNov 20
- W91-74vs Loras DuhawksNov 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 | Southern Indiana Screaming Eagles | SIU Edwardsville Cougars |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 18-52 | 19-53 |
| Field goal % | 35 | 36 |
| Three-pointers | 6-20 | 6-13 |
| Three-point % | 30 | 46 |
| Free throws | 13-25 | 15-26 |
| Free throw % | 52 | 58 |
| Rebounds | 38 | 42 |
| Offensive rebounds | 14 | 15 |
| Defensive rebounds | 24 | 27 |
| Assists | 7 | 8 |
| Steals | 10 | 11 |
| Blocks | 1 | 4 |
| Turnovers | 17 | 15 |
| Team turnovers | 2 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 19 | 11 |
| Fast-break points | 14 | 7 |
| Points in the paint | 20 | 22 |
| Fouls | 18 | 20 |
| Largest lead | 0 | 10 |
| Lead changes | 0 | 0 |
| Time in front | 0 | 99 |
How the scoring went
- 1st Half21-27Kaden Brown makes 24-foot three point jumper (Ismail Habib assists)
- 1st Half21-28Ring Malith makes free throw 2 of 2
- 1st Half23-28Ola Ajiboye makes layup (Kaden Brown assists)
- 2nd Half23-30Arnas Sakenis makes layup (Jordan Pickett assists)
- 2nd Half26-30Steven Clay makes 23-foot three point jumper (Ismail Habib assists)
- 2nd Half26-32Arnas Sakenis makes layup (Jack Campion assists)
- 2nd Half26-34Jo Valrie makes layup
- 2nd Half26-35Ring Malith makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half26-36Ring Malith makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half28-36Tolu Samuels makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half30-36Cardell Bailey makes layup
- 2nd Half30-38Kyle Thomas makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half31-38Ismail Habib makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half31-41Darius Robinson Jr. makes 25-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half33-41Cardell Bailey makes 20-foot jumper
- 2nd Half34-41Sheridan Sharp makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half36-41Tolu Samuels makes layup
- 2nd Half36-42CJ Hall makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half37-42Cardell Bailey makes free throw 2 of 3
- 2nd Half37-43Arnas Sakenis makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half37-44Arnas Sakenis makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half40-44Cardell Bailey makes 24-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half40-47Jack Campion makes 23-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half40-50Jack Campion makes 24-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half41-50Ismail Habib makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half42-50Ismail Habib makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half42-52Arnas Sakenis makes 0-foot tip in dunk
- 2nd Half44-52Tolu Samuels makes 0-foot dunk (Sheridan Sharp assists)
- 2nd Half44-54Jack Campion makes 11-foot jumper
- 2nd Half45-54Ismail Habib makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half47-54Ola Ajiboye makes layup (Sheridan Sharp assists)
- 2nd Half50-54Josiah Dunham makes 23-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half50-55Ring Malith makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half50-56Ring Malith makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half52-56Josiah Dunham makes layup
- 2nd Half52-57Darius Robinson Jr. makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half53-57Tolu Samuels makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half55-57Sheridan Sharp makes layup
- 2nd Half55-58Ring Malith makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half55-59Ring Malith makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours SIU Edwardsville Cougars, below favours Southern Indiana Screaming Eagles.
Venue
- First Community ArenaEdwardsville, IL
- Attendance1849
- OfficialsEric Lowe, Cody Crum, Jake Keller
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