Tennessee State Tigers Defeat Western Illinois Leathernecks 90-68
Thursday, January 8, 2026, 8:30 PM ET · Western Hall
Tennessee State Tigers 90, Western Illinois Leathernecks 68, 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 Tennessee State Tigers vs Western Illinois Leathernecks?
Tennessee State Tigers beat Western Illinois Leathernecks 90-68 at Western Hall on January 8, 2026.
Who was favored in Tennessee State Tigers vs Western Illinois Leathernecks?
Tennessee State Tigers were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -285 (about 74% implied). The favorite won.
In a decisive matchup, the Tennessee State Tigers triumphed over the Western Illinois Leathernecks with a final score of 90-68. This game took place at Western Hall and showcased the contrasting fortunes of both teams, particularly in their recent performances. The Tigers, boasting a record of 10-5, have been in solid form, winning seven of their last ten games, including a two-game winning streak. In contrast, the Leathernecks, with a record of 4-12, have struggled significantly, losing four consecutive games and only managing three wins in their last ten outings.
The scoring averages further highlight the disparity between the two teams. Tennessee State has averaged 75.1 points per game while allowing 76.0, indicating a high-scoring style of play. Conversely, Western Illinois has averaged 67.3 points scored and 75.4 points allowed, suggesting they have been on the back foot defensively. At home, the Leathernecks have a record of 2-3, while their away performance stands at 1-4. Tennessee State has performed better on the road, with a 5-2 away record.
Historically, the Tigers have had the upper hand in their previous meetings with the Leathernecks, winning both encounters in the 2025 season. The most recent matchup prior to this game was on February 7, 2025, where Tennessee State won decisively with a score of 87-69. In their earlier meeting on January 11, 2025, the Tigers again came out on top, winning 72-52.
In terms of injuries, the block does not provide specific details, but the overall performance of both teams suggests that Tennessee State has been able to maintain a more consistent lineup, contributing to their recent success. The market reflected this confidence, with DraftKings setting the odds at Tennessee State -6.5, indicating a strong belief in their ability to cover the spread. The total for the game was set at 145.5, with both the over and under priced at -110. Tennessee State was listed at -285 on the moneyline, while Western Illinois was at +230.
The game conditions appeared favorable for both teams, with no adverse weather or venue issues reported. Viewers were treated to a display of offensive prowess from the Tigers, particularly in the second half, where they extended their lead significantly. Notable scoring plays included a 26-foot three-point jumper from Jabrion Spikes and a series of layups that showcased Tennessee State's ability to penetrate the Leathernecks' defense.
Overall, this game served as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by Western Illinois as they continue to seek improvement, while Tennessee State solidifies its position as a competitive force in the league.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | TNST -6.5 | 145.5 o -110 / u -110 | Tennessee State Tigers -285 · Western Illinois Leathernecks +230 |
Leaders
- PointsIsaiah Griffin14Western Illinois Leathernecks
- AssistsMakai Kvamme1Western Illinois Leathernecks
- ReboundsIsaiah Griffin7Western Illinois Leathernecks
- PointsTravis Harper II23Tennessee State Tigers
- AssistsDante Harris4Tennessee State Tigers
- ReboundsJalen Pitre10Tennessee State Tigers
Recent form
Western Illinois Leathernecks
Last 10: 3-7Streak L467.3 scored · 75.4 allowed per game2-3 at home
- L50-73at Southeast Missouri State RedhawksJan 3
- L60-67at UT Martin SkyhawksJan 1
- L61-66vs SIU Edwardsville CougarsDec 22
- 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
Tennessee State Tigers
Last 10: 7-3Streak W275.1 scored · 76 allowed per game5-2 away
- W84-79at Little Rock TrojansJan 3
- W88-76at Tennessee Tech Golden EaglesDec 31
- L82-91vs Southeast Missouri State RedhawksDec 20
- W78-71vs UT Martin SkyhawksDec 19
- W63-60at UNLV RebelsDec 14
- L53-80at Alabama A&M BulldogsDec 4
- W70-64at Chattanooga MocsNov 30
- W98-77vs Tennessee Wesleyan BulldogsNov 29
- W75-73at UNC Asheville BulldogsNov 25
- L60-89at Tennessee VolunteersNov 21
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 | Tennessee State Tigers | Western Illinois Leathernecks |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 34-61 | 21-55 |
| Field goal % | 56 | 38 |
| Three-pointers | 7-17 | 1-12 |
| Three-point % | 41 | 8 |
| Free throws | 15-23 | 25-34 |
| Free throw % | 65 | 74 |
| Rebounds | 37 | 32 |
| Offensive rebounds | 10 | 11 |
| Defensive rebounds | 27 | 21 |
| Assists | 12 | 2 |
| Steals | 9 | 9 |
| Blocks | 2 | 1 |
| Turnovers | 11 | 11 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 1 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 14 | 8 |
| Fast-break points | 9 | 7 |
| Points in the paint | 50 | 40 |
| Fouls | 22 | 13 |
| Largest lead | 28 | 0 |
| Lead changes | 0 | 0 |
| Time in front | 95 | 0 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half59-40Khalil London makes 27-foot three point jumper (Damon Howard Jr. assists)
- 2nd Half59-42Karyiek Dixon makes layup
- 2nd Half59-43Karyiek Dixon makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half59-44Isaiah Griffin makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half59-45Isaiah Griffin makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half59-46Isaiah Griffin makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half61-46Carlous Williams makes layup
- 2nd Half61-47Lucas Lorenzen makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half63-47Antoine Lorick III makes layup
- 2nd Half65-47Jalen Pitre makes 1-foot dunk
- 2nd Half65-48Lucas Lorenzen makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half65-49Lucas Lorenzen makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half68-49Travis Harper II makes 25-foot three point jumper (Antoine Lorick III assists)
- 2nd Half69-49Dante Harris makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half71-49Antoine Lorick III makes layup
- 2nd Half72-49Antoine Lorick III makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half72-51Karyiek Dixon makes layup
- 2nd Half73-51Travis Harper II makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half74-51Travis Harper II makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half76-51Antoine Lorick III makes 1-foot dunk (Dante Harris assists)
- 2nd Half78-51Travis Harper II makes layup
- 2nd Half78-52Francis Okwuosah makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half78-53Francis Okwuosah makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half78-55Francis Okwuosah makes layup (Tyran Cook assists)
- 2nd Half79-55Kavien Jones makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half80-55Kavien Jones makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half82-55Khalil London makes layup
- 2nd Half82-57Makai Kvamme makes layup
- 2nd Half84-57Carlous Williams makes layup
- 2nd Half84-59Tyran Cook makes layup
- 2nd Half84-60Makai Kvamme makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half84-61Makai Kvamme makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half87-61Jabrion Spikes makes 26-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half89-61Jean Yvens Lafleur makes layup
- 2nd Half89-63Ifiok Peter makes layup
- 2nd Half89-65Francis Okwuosah makes layup
- 2nd Half89-66Francis Okwuosah makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half90-66Jabrion Spikes makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half90-67Ifiok Peter makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half90-68Ifiok Peter makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Western Illinois Leathernecks, below favours Tennessee State Tigers.
Venue
- Western HallMacomb, IL
- Attendance718
- OfficialsCody Crum, Chris Fuller, Bob Franklin
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