Southern Indiana Dominates Western Illinois in 96-64 Victory
Friday, January 23, 2026, 8:30 PM ET · Liberty Arena (IN)
Southern Indiana Screaming Eagles 96, Western Illinois Leathernecks 64, 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 Western Illinois Leathernecks vs Southern Indiana Screaming Eagles?
Southern Indiana Screaming Eagles beat Western Illinois Leathernecks 96-64 at Liberty Arena (IN) on January 23, 2026.
Who was favored in Western Illinois Leathernecks vs Southern Indiana Screaming Eagles?
Southern Indiana Screaming Eagles were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -285 (about 74% implied). The favorite won.
In a decisive matchup, the Southern Indiana Screaming Eagles triumphed over the Western Illinois Leathernecks with a final score of 96-64. This game showcased Southern Indiana's offensive prowess, reflecting their ability to capitalize on home court advantage at Liberty Arena in Indiana.
Southern Indiana entered the game with a home record of 5-15, while Western Illinois had a record of 4-17 overall. The Screaming Eagles had struggled recently, holding a record of 1-8-1 in their last ten games, with an average of 57.8 points scored and 62.6 points allowed per game. They were on a two-game losing streak, having lost their previous game against Eastern Illinois Panthers 51-59. In contrast, Western Illinois had been in a dire situation, losing their last nine games and recording just one win in their last ten outings. They averaged 63.8 points scored and 72.7 points allowed during this stretch, with their most recent loss coming against Morehead State Eagles, where they fell 66-71.
The home team’s performance was particularly impressive, as they managed to score 96 points, significantly above their average. The game featured a series of strong scoring plays, including a 25-foot three-point jumper by Sheridan Sharp and multiple free throws from Tyran Cook and Makai Kvamme, which helped maintain a commanding lead throughout the second half. The Screaming Eagles demonstrated their offensive depth, with contributions from various players, allowing them to dominate the scoreboard.
Historically, Southern Indiana and Western Illinois have faced each other twice in the previous season, with each team winning one game. Southern Indiana won their home game 78-66, while they lost 62-87 in their away matchup. This recent history added an interesting dynamic to the game, as both teams sought to assert their dominance in this latest encounter.
In terms of injuries, the block did not specify any key players missing from either team, which meant both squads were likely at full strength for this critical matchup. The absence of significant injuries allowed for a competitive atmosphere, although Southern Indiana clearly outperformed Western Illinois.
The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, had Southern Indiana favored by 6.5 points, with a total set at 136.5. The odds reflected the expectations for a close game, but the final score showed a stark contrast to those predictions. Southern Indiana not only covered the spread but did so convincingly, underscoring their ability to exceed market expectations in this game.
The conditions in Liberty Arena appeared favorable for basketball, contributing to the high-scoring affair. Fans witnessed a thrilling display of offensive basketball, with Southern Indiana's players finding rhythm and confidence as the game progressed. The atmosphere was electric, with the home crowd supporting their team, which likely fueled the Eagles' performance.
As the game unfolded, viewers could observe Southern Indiana's aggressive offensive strategy, which was pivotal in their victory. The Screaming Eagles executed their plays effectively, leading to open shots and high-percentage attempts. Their ability to convert free throws also played a crucial role, as seen in the multiple successful attempts by players like Cook and Kvamme.
Overall, the game highlighted the disparity in form between the two teams, with Southern Indiana capitalizing on their home advantage to secure a comprehensive victory. The final score of 96-64 not only reflects the current state of both programs but also sets the tone for their upcoming matches as they look to build on this performance.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | USI -6.5 | 136.5 o -112 / u -108 | Western Illinois Leathernecks +230 · Southern Indiana Screaming Eagles -285 |
Leaders
- PointsCardell Bailey22Southern Indiana Screaming Eagles
- AssistsSheridan Sharp8Southern Indiana Screaming Eagles
- ReboundsCardell Bailey7Southern Indiana Screaming Eagles
- PointsIsaiah Griffin13Western Illinois Leathernecks
- AssistsTyran Cook2Western Illinois Leathernecks
- ReboundsFrancis Okwuosah5Western Illinois Leathernecks
Recent form
Southern Indiana Screaming Eagles
Last 10: 1-8-1Streak L257.8 scored · 62.6 allowed per game0-5 at home
- L51-59vs Eastern Illinois PanthersJan 23
- L67-73at Tennessee State TigersJan 17
- W71-54at Tennessee Tech Golden EaglesJan 16
- L56-73vs UT Martin SkyhawksJan 11
- L76-84vs Southeast Missouri State RedhawksJan 9
- L80-83at Lindenwood LionsJan 3
- L55-59at SIU Edwardsville CougarsJan 1
- L60-64vs Morehead State EaglesDec 20
- L62-77vs Little Rock TrojansDec 19
- D0-0vs East West PhantomsDec 16
Western Illinois Leathernecks
Last 10: 1-9Streak L963.8 scored · 72.7 allowed per game1-6 away
- L66-71at Morehead State EaglesJan 23
- L79-86at Little Rock TrojansJan 17
- L55-57at Eastern Illinois PanthersJan 14
- L54-59vs Tennessee Tech Golden EaglesJan 10
- L68-90vs Tennessee State TigersJan 9
- 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
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 | Western Illinois Leathernecks | Southern Indiana Screaming Eagles |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 22-60 | 35-67 |
| Field goal % | 37 | 52 |
| Three-pointers | 3-13 | 13-28 |
| Three-point % | 23 | 46 |
| Free throws | 17-24 | 13-16 |
| Free throw % | 71 | 81 |
| Rebounds | 29 | 47 |
| Offensive rebounds | 8 | 12 |
| Defensive rebounds | 21 | 35 |
| Assists | 4 | 18 |
| Steals | 5 | 6 |
| Blocks | 2 | 7 |
| Turnovers | 9 | 12 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 3 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 9 | 15 |
| Fast-break points | 10 | 16 |
| Points in the paint | 30 | 38 |
| Fouls | 11 | 15 |
| Largest lead | 0 | 42 |
| Lead changes | 0 | 0 |
| Time in front | 0 | 99 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half32-54Sheridan Sharp makes 25-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half34-54Goanar Biliew makes 2-foot dunk
- 2nd Half36-54Lucas Lorenzen makes driving layup
- 2nd Half36-57Cardell Bailey makes 27-foot three point jumper (Sheridan Sharp assists)
- 2nd Half38-57Goanar Biliew makes 2-foot dunk
- 2nd Half38-59Ola Ajiboye makes 2-foot dunk (Sheridan Sharp assists)
- 2nd Half38-61Ola Ajiboye makes layup (Sheridan Sharp assists)
- 2nd Half38-62Ola Ajiboye makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half38-65Steven Clay makes 27-foot three point jumper (Amaree Brown assists)
- 2nd Half41-65Isaiah Griffin makes 27-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half42-65Tyran Cook makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half43-65Tyran Cook makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half43-67Ola Ajiboye makes driving layup (Amaree Brown assists)
- 2nd Half43-68Ola Ajiboye makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half43-70Cardell Bailey makes 2-foot dunk
- 2nd Half43-72Tolu Samuels makes 5-foot dunk (Steven Clay assists)
- 2nd Half45-72Steven Tipton makes layup (Tyran Cook assists)
- 2nd Half45-74Devin Curtis makes 14-foot step back jumpshot
- 2nd Half45-76Tolu Samuels makes driving layup (Cardell Bailey assists)
- 2nd Half45-78Cardell Bailey makes 3-foot dunk (Devin Curtis assists)
- 2nd Half47-78Makai Kvamme makes layup
- 2nd Half47-81Tolu Samuels makes 26-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half49-81Makai Kvamme makes 18-foot jumper
- 2nd Half49-82Cardell Bailey makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half49-83Cardell Bailey makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half49-85Alem Fejzic makes layup (Cardell Bailey assists)
- 2nd Half49-88Alem Fejzic makes 26-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half49-91Josiah Dunham makes 26-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half51-91Nick Hittle makes layup
- 2nd Half53-91Makai Kvamme makes layup
- 2nd Half55-91Tyran Cook makes 4-foot jumper
- 2nd Half56-91Makai Kvamme makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half56-93Sheridan Sharp makes 14-foot jumper
- 2nd Half57-93Tyran Cook makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half58-93Tyran Cook makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half58-96Sheridan Sharp makes 25-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half59-96Makai Kvamme makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half60-96Makai Kvamme makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half61-96Nick Hittle makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half64-96Francis Okwuosah makes 23-foot three point jumper (Tyran Cook assists)
Win probability
Above the line favours Southern Indiana Screaming Eagles, below favours Western Illinois Leathernecks.
Venue
- Liberty Arena (IN)Evansville, IN
- Attendance942
- OfficialsKevin Driver, Chris Koopman, Phil Cudd
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