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NASHVILLE – A scramble for a loose ball that Tennessee State converted into a put-back basket and three point play helped TSU beat Eastern Illinois, 50-47, on Saturday night at the Gentry Center.
EIU fell to 7-14 overall, 3-7 in the OVC. The Panthers return home to host Jacksonville State on Thursday night at 7:30 pm at Lantz Arena. TSU sweeps the season series improving to 10-11 overall, 5-5 in the OVC.
Leading 46-45 with 45 seconds remaining Christian Mekowulu grabbed a rebound on a missed 3-pointer by Kamar McKnight. On the rebound Mekowulu made the put-back basket and then the free throw to make it 49-45. Mekowulu carried the Tigers offense on the night scoring 27 points to go along with 10 rebounds.
Montell Goodwin made a runner to quickly cut the lead to one possession with 40 seconds left. It was the Panthers first basket in nearly eight minutes in the second half.
On the next possession, EIU was able to force a five second violation on TSU as the Panthers trapped the ball on the sideline. EIU went for the win with eight seconds left as
Mack Smith's 3-pointer from the top of the key dipped in-and-out.  TSU made one of two at the foul line to ice the game.
Smith led the Panthers with 17 points as he was the only EIU player in double figures. During the Panthers 8 minute dry spell in the second half Smith was able to help keep the team in the game as he was 9-of-9 from the foul line. For the game EIU was 14-of-14 from the stripe on a night that EIU shot 29 percent from the field.
The game was tied 19-19 at the half with Mekowulu scoring 11 of his points in the first half.
Logan Koch made his first collegiate start for the Panthers and had a team high six points in the first half before suffering an ankle injury with about 6 minutes remaining in the first half.