Ecclesia vs UT Martin prediction: UT Martin's rebuilt Skyhawks chase a first win in their home opener
After two road losses by a combined three points, Jeremy Shulman's nearly new roster finally plays at the Elam Center against a non-Division I Ecclesia team.
- UT Martin should control this one at home. The real test is whether a freshman-heavy rotation protects the ball for 40 minutes.
- Davi Remagen's volume scoring against an Ecclesia team about which little is known beyond its name and several listed freshmen.
- No spread or total is posted yet. UT Martin is 1-1 against the spread, covering at Tulane and failing as a favorite at IU Indy.
Two near misses, one fresh start
UT Martin was voted third in the OVC preseason poll, and it has opened 0-2 anyway, losing at Tulane in double overtime and at IU Indianapolis by a point. The Skyhawks led the IU Indy game for 32:36 of clock time and were up 13 with under seven minutes left before it slipped away.
Sunday's game against Ecclesia is the first at the Elam Center this season, after eight days of rest. These programs last played in December 2023, when UT Martin won 110-52. Ecclesia is not a Division I team we hold data for, and its official roster lists several freshmen, including Gabe Davis and Rakebrien Wallace. The Royals are scheduled to play at Central Arkansas on Nov. 10, before this trip.
Ball security is the leak
Last season's team won 22 games on defense, ranking 8th nationally in defensive efficiency (points allowed per 100 possessions). That team is mostly gone: only 18.2% of last season's minutes return, and 10 of the 14 newcomers are freshmen.
The new version shoots it well, with an effective field goal percentage (threes count 1.5 times) of 58.4%, 81st in Division I. But it turns the ball over on 23.4% of possessions, 333rd of 364, and forces turnovers at a rate that ranks 358th. It has also sent opponents to the line constantly, with an opponent free throw rate that ranks 343rd. Against a lesser opponent, those habits cost margin rather than games. They are still the things to fix before OVC play.
Who carries the Skyhawks
Georgia Tech transfer Davi Remagen has been the engine, averaging 21.5 points on a 36.8% usage rate while hitting 6 of 12 threes. Kaan Onat, also named an OVC Player to Watch, adds 15.0 points and 8.0 rebounds, though his shooting has been uneven.
The returners are growing into bigger roles. Vladimir Khryapa scored a career-best 14 points on 5-of-6 shooting at IU Indy, and Filip Petkovski has started both games. Sasha Savkov has quietly been the most efficient piece, posting a 73.3% effective field goal percentage. Shulman has said the goal is to take UT Martin to the NCAA tournament for the first time in program history. Against Ecclesia, the goal is simpler: a first win.
Key players
- Davi Remagen (UT Martin): The Georgia Tech transfer is averaging 21.5 points and shooting 50% from three through two games.
- Kaan Onat (UT Martin): He is averaging 15.0 points and 8.0 rebounds, though his 47.6% effective field goal percentage lags the team's.
- Vladimir Khryapa (UT Martin): One of only two Skyhawks back from last season, he scored a career-best 14 points at IU Indy.
- Sasha Savkov (UT Martin): He has made 6 of 13 threes for a 73.3% effective field goal percentage.
Numbers that matter
| Returning minutes | 18.2% | Last season's elite defense says little about a roster this new. |
|---|---|---|
| Turnover rate | 23.4% | It ranks 333rd of 364 and helped cost UT Martin a 13-point late lead at IU Indy. |
| Opponent free throw rate rank | 343rd | The Skyhawks have fouled far more than nearly every Division I team. |
| Effective FG% | 58.4% | The shooting, 81st nationally, is the part of the rebuild that is already working. |
Ecclesia vs UT Martin: quick answers
When is Ecclesia vs UT Martin?
Sunday, November 15, 2026 at 5:30 PM ET.