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CHARLESTON, Ill. – Eastern Illinois scored its final nine points of the game at the free throw line on Saturday afternoon as the Panthers won their second straight with a 62-57 win over Tennessee State at First Mid Court at Lantz Arena.
 
EIU improved to 4-17 overall, 2-6 in the OVC.  TSU fell to 9-13 overall, 4-6 in the OVC.
 
TSU led 52-48 with 4:26 left in the contest following a pair of free throws by Carlos Marshall Jr.  He would carry the Tigers offense on the day scoring 25 points, the only TSU player in double figures.
 
EIU trimmed the lead to 52-51 with a Dan Luers 3-pointer from the right corner with 3:35 to play.  Paul Bizimana scored and was fouled with 3:01 left in the game.  His free throw put EIU up 54-52 and began the string of EIU free throws to close out the game.  Bizimana led EIU with 20 points, his second 20 point effort this week.
 
EIU would get free throws from Sammy Friday IV, Micah Schnyders, Luers, Kejuan Clements and Bizimana down the stretch.  Luers free throws with 42 seconds left in the game gave EIU a five point lead.
 
Kenny Cooper drained a 3-pointer with 30 seconds left in the game to bring TSU to back within one possession at 59-57.  EIU would make three of four free throws in the final 30 seconds and draw an offensive foul to close out the contest.
 
EIU led 24-23 at the half.  The Panthers defense limited TSU to 34 percent shooting in the game including 25 percent from 3-point range (6-of-24).
 
Schnyders has 12 points off the bench for EIU.  EIU finished the game 22-of-30 from the foul line.
 
Kassim Nicholson pulled down ten rebounds for TSU.