SharpBetz
NCAAB

Morehead State Eagles vs Eastern Illinois Panthers

Friday, February 20, 2026

Matchup Analysis

This NCAAB matchup features Morehead State Eagles (15-12 (10-2)) traveling to take on Eastern Illinois Panthers (11-16 (9-4)) at Groniger Arena, Charleston, IL. The Morehead St hold a clear statistical edge this season, outperforming the E Illinois by 5.2 points per game in scoring margin. That differential will be a key factor in this matchup. On offense, E Illinois averages 73.1 points per game, which exceeds what the Morehead St defense typically allows (71.7 PPG). That mismatch could give the home side opportunities to exploit. The Morehead St offense puts up 76.1 PPG and faces a E Illinois defense allowing 73.9 PPG. The visitors have the offensive firepower to stay in this one. Home court advantage is worth approximately 3.5 points in NCAAB, and E Illinois will look to leverage their home crowd. Our model sees this as essentially a coin-flip game, projecting just a 0.0-point margin. Expect a tight finish. The 68% confidence interval ranges from E Illinois winning by 12 to losing by 12. Our model aligns closely with the market on this one, suggesting the oddsmakers have priced this game efficiently. Look for small edges in the total and moneyline markets to capitalize on any remaining value.

Team Comparison

MORE Morehead St
Stat
EIU E Illinois
15-12 (10-2)
Record
11-16 (9-4)
Last 10
76.1
PPG
73.1
71.7
Opp PPG
73.9

Current Odds

Team Moneyline Spread Total
MORE Morehead State Eagles
-150 -1.5 O 138.5
EIU Eastern Illinois Panthers
+150 +1.5 U 138.5
Source: Draft Kings Updated: Feb 19, 11:18 AM
Opening line: +1.5 / O/U 138.5

Model Projection

Team Moneyline Spread Total
MORE Morehead State Eagles
+100 0 O 149.2
EIU Eastern Illinois Panthers
-100 0 U 149.2
Source: Model Updated: Feb 19, 11:18 AM

Our Picks

Spread
Pass
Model: 0 | Edge below threshold
Total
Over (opened at 138.5)
71% Confidence

Recent Trends

E Illinois has struggled this season at 11-16 (9-4). The wins have been hard to come by, and the team is looking for answers on both ends of the floor. Home court advantage will be critical for any chance at pulling off an upset. Morehead St sits at 15-12 (10-2) on the season. They've been competitive in most outings but have had their share of inconsistent performances. On the road, they'll need to bring their best effort to come away with a win. When these teams meet, the home team typically has the edge given the crowd advantage and familiarity factor. The team that controls tempo and limits turnovers will likely dictate the outcome of this matchup.

Matchup Edges

E Illinois

Advantages

  • Home court advantage and crowd support
  • Familiarity with home venue and routines

Disadvantages

  • Sub-.500 record at 11-16 (9-4) raises concerns
  • Potential for inconsistency in key moments

Morehead St

Advantages

  • Potent offense averaging 76.1 PPG
  • Nothing to lose as the visiting team
  • Road underdog motivation — play with less pressure

Disadvantages

  • Playing on the road without home crowd support
  • Road fatigue and travel can impact energy levels