The Leathernecks are 0-6 in Ohio Valley play, losing by an average of 13 points. While both teams are terrible offensively, Eastern Illinois is substantially better on defense. And the Panthers have been much more respectable with senior guard Andre Washington in the lineup. In the eight games he's played, the team has gone 4-4 with Washington averaging 13 points. At home he's averaging 15.4 points while shooting 36.8 percent from deep. Back Eastern Illinois to win its fifth straight at home and cover.

In stat categories that are measured in tenths-of-a-point, the bottom national rank (361 of 361) for WIU in assists is especially alarming. At a mere 7.9 apg, the Leathernecks are 1.4 per game beneath the next-lowest assist team (Texas Southern, at 9.3 apg)! Ohio Valley insiders have alerted to these shortcomings, and note that WIU's four wins have come vs. either lower-tier sides (three of them) and an OT escape vs. North Dakota. Starting 0-6 in the OVC, the Leathernecks are also barely registering 60 ppg, and for the season their 3-point shooting hovers near 30%. Not good! Meanwhile, rival EIU has been winning (4 of 6), and sr. G Zion Fruster (15.7 ppg) has emerged as one of the OVC's best. Play EIU.