EASTERN ILLINOIS (5-9, 2-5 OVC) at Tennessee State (2-10, 1-8 OVC)
Saturday, Jan. 23 • 4 pmÂ
Nashville, Tenn. • Gentry Center
EIU GAME NOTES: PDF Link
RADIO: Hit Mix 88.9 FM
TV: ESPN+
LIVE STATS: www.eiupanthers.com
SERIES RECORD: TSU leads 31-24Â
LAST MEETING: @TSU 84, EIU 79 on Jan. 2, 2020Â
GAME 15
Eastern Illinois wraps up its two-game Nashville swing on Saturday afternoon at Tennessee State. The Panthers hung with OVC leader Belmont for most of the night on Thursday despite missing three starters due to COVID-19 protocols. A Belmont run midway through the second half catapulted the Bruins to a 79-66 win over EIU.  The Panthers have lost four straight falling to 5-9 overall, 2-5 in the OVC. Tennessee State also lost its fourth straight on Thursday night as the Tigers lost to SIUE. TSU fell to 2-10 overall, 1-8 in the OVC.
JOHNSON POSTS THIRD DOUBLE-DOUBLE
Marvin Johnson scored in double figures for the sixth straight game on Thursday night at Belmont. The senior guard finished with 14 points as he is averaging 17.5 points per game over the last five contests. In addition Johnson pulled down ten rebounds to collect his third double-double of the season. It was his second points/rebounds double-double this season while he also has a points/assists double-double in the OVC opener against Tennessee Tech. Johnson has been a versatile player for the Panthers this season as he ranks in the top 20 in the OVC in every major statistical category (12th scoring / 17th rebounding / 5th assists / 11th steals / 14th blocks).
FRIDAY KEEPS CLICKING AROUND THE HOOP
Sammy Friday IV continues to look at home around the basket as the graduate transfer from Siena tossed in a season-high 20 points on Thursday night at Belmont.  Friday was 9-of-12 from the field against the Bruins and currently ranks third in the OVC in field goal percentage at 63.4 percent. Over the last four games, his knack for knocking down shots has been even greater as Friday is shooting 80.8 percent from the field averaging 13 points per game.  Against Belmont he added ten rebounds to post his second double-double this season. He currently ranks fifth in the OVC in offensive rebounds with 36, more than half his rebounding total for the year (68 total).
UP NEXT
Tuesday, Jan. 26 vs SIUE, 7 pm (ESPN+)
