MARTIN, Tenn. (Interstat) — Tennessee-Martin survived a second-half rally to defeat Eastern Illinois 65-61 in an Ohio Valley Conference men’s basketball game Saturday at Skyhawk Arena.

The Skyhawks improved to 11-4 overall, while the Panthers fell to 4-10.

Eastern Illinois led 41-34 at halftime but managed only 20 points after the break. Tennessee-Martin’s defense, which recorded nine blocks and forced 14 steals, fueled the comeback. The Skyhawks sealed the win at the free-throw line, making 22 of 26 attempts.

Zion Fruster led Eastern Illinois with 17 points. Matas Deniusas scored a game-high 19 points for Tennessee-Martin, and Andrija Bukumirović added six blocks. Attendance was 1,086.