MARTIN, Tenn. (Interstat) — A surging Tennessee-Martin squad looks to continue its strong start when it hosts struggling Western Illinois in an Ohio Valley Conference men’s basketball matchup on Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026, at Skyhawk Arena. The Skyhawks (9-4) enter conference play having won five of their last six games, including an emphatic 86-62 road victory at Tennessee Tech on Dec. 20. They are led by standout guard Andrija Bukumirović, who erupted for 28 points in that win and is averaging 17 points over his last four contests. His versatility was on full display in a Dec. 7 win over Alabama State, where he posted 15 points, 13 rebounds and two blocks. Tennessee-Martin has found success at home this season, boasting a 5-1 record in Martin. Their balanced attack features Matas Deniusas and Filip Radaković, who combined for 23 points and 11 assists in the win over Tennessee Tech. They face a Western Illinois team (4-9) seeking to halt a two-game skid. The Leathernecks fell 66-61 to SIU Edwardsville on Dec. 22, despite 19 points from leading scorer Lucas Lorenzen. Lorenzen has been a consistent bright spot, scoring in double figures in eight straight games and averaging 15 points per contest during that stretch. Western Illinois has struggled on the road, going 1-6 away from home this season. Their lone victory came in a 69-66 overtime thriller at North Dakota on Dec. 13. Beyond Lorenzen, production has been inconsistent. Antwaun Massey and Isaiah Griffin each added 11 points in the loss to SIU Edwardsville. The game marks the conference opener for both teams and the first of two regular-season meetings. They will meet again in Macomb, Illinois, on Jan. 31. For Tennessee-Martin, it’s an opportunity to solidify its position as an OVC contender. For Western Illinois, it’s a chance to reverse its fortunes against a league frontrunner and build momentum before hosting Tennessee State on Jan. 8. Tip-off is scheduled for Thursday evening at Skyhawk Arena.