Who | Western Illinois Vs UT Martin | Western Illinois Vs SEMO
When | Thursday, January 1, 3:30 P.M. | Saturday, January 3, 3:30 P.M.
Where | Elam Center | Martin, TN | Show Me Center | Cape Girardeau, MO

Leathernecks Hit the Road Against UT Martin & SEMO

Western Illinois men's basketball opens the new year away from home, beginning 2026 with a pair of challenging Ohio Valley Conference road tests. The Leathernecks head south to face UT Martin before continuing the trip to SEMO, marking the first conference road swing of the calendar year.

The matchup at UT Martin presents an early opportunity for Western Illinois to set the tone in league play, as the Skyhawks are traditionally tough on their home floor. The road trip concludes at SEMO, where the Redhawks' fast-paced style and energetic environment will provide another strong test.

Western Illinois Vs SIUE Recap

Western Illinois was edged by SIUE, 66–61, in an Ohio Valley Conference matchup Monday night at Western Hall.

The Leathernecks took a four-point lead into halftime after holding the Cougars to 24 first-half points, heading to the break up 28–24 behind a strong defensive effort. Western Illinois controlled the tempo early and limited SIUE's scoring opportunities through the opening 20 minutes.

Lucas Lorenzen led Western Illinois with a game-high 19 points, finishing 6-of-14 from the field and a perfect 5-of-5 at the free throw line while adding five rebounds in 37 minutes. Isaiah Griffin and Antwaun Massey each scored 11 points, with Massey shooting an efficient 4-of-7 and contributing two assists, two steals, and a block.

SIUE turned the game in the second half, outscoring the Leathernecks 42–33 to take the lead midway through the period. Western Illinois was unable to regain the advantage in the closing minutes, as SIUE closed out the contest to secure the 66–61 win.

Scouting UT Martin
UT Martin enters the matchup at 9-4 overall and 1-1 in Ohio Valley Conference play, bringing a balanced, physical lineup that has proven it can win both at home and on the road. The Skyhawks average 76.3 points per game while holding opponents to just 66.2, creating a +10.2 scoring margin that reflects their efficiency on both ends of the floor.

Offensively, UT Martin is led by Andrija Bukumirović, who paces the team at 15.9 points per game while shooting an efficient .583 from the field and .423 from three-point range. Matas Deniusas (14.1 ppg) provides another steady scoring option, along with Dragos Lungu, who averages 13.8 points and shoots over 62 percent from the floor in his appearances. The Skyhawks place multiple scoring threats on the court at once, forcing defenses to guard the entire lineup rather than keying in on a single player.

Scouting SEMO
Southeast Missouri State enters the matchup at 6-7 overall and 1-1 in Ohio Valley Conference play, bringing a fast-paced, guard-oriented attack that averages 79.1 points per game. The Redhawks have played a demanding nonconference schedule and have shown the ability to score in bunches, outpacing opponents by a +2.2 scoring margin through the first 13 games.

Offensively, SEMO features multiple double-figure scorers, led by Luke Almodovar at 14.2 points per game, while Braxton Stacker follows closely at 13.7 points per contest and shoots 93.0 percent from the free-throw line. BJ Ward (11.2 ppg) helps facilitate the offense and leads the team in assists, while Marqueas Bell provides a strong interior presence, averaging 10.7 points and a team-best 5.5 rebounds per game on nearly 60 percent shooting.

Keys to the Matchup

• Win the rebounding battle and control the paint: Both UT Martin and SEMO rely on physical frontcourts and second-chance points. Western Illinois must limit offensive rebounds, secure the glass, and be disciplined defending inside to avoid extended possessions.

• Defend without fouling and guard multiple scorers: UT Martin's balanced scoring and SEMO's guard-heavy attack require strong on-ball defense and team help. Staying solid defensively while keeping opponents off the free-throw line will be critical on the road.

• Value possessions and execute offensively late: Road games in the OVC are often decided by efficiency. Western Illinois must limit turnovers, make smart decisions in transition, and convert scoring opportunities especially in key stretches of each half to give itself a chance to sweep the trip.

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