EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. (Interstat) — A hot Tennessee State team looks to continue its climb in the Ohio Valley Conference standings when it visits SIU Edwardsville on Thursday night at the Vadalabene Center.

The Tigers (12-6, 4-1 OVC) have won five of their last six games, including a 73-67 victory over Southern Indiana on Saturday. They are led by guard Aaron Nkrumah, who is coming off a spectacular two-game stretch. He scored 30 points in an overtime win over Morehead State on Jan. 15, then followed with 24 points against Southern Indiana. Over his last five games, Nkrumah is averaging 18.8 points and 3.6 assists.

The Cougars (11-8, 3-3) aim to build momentum after a 68-55 road win at Southeast Missouri State last Saturday, which snapped a two-game skid. Forward Arnas Sakenis has been a consistent interior force, averaging 12.3 points and 2.3 blocks over his last six contests. He posted 19 points and three blocks in the win over SEMO.

Tennessee State holds a narrow edge in the season series in recent years, but SIUE has been strong at home, going 7-3 in Edwardsville this season. The Tigers, however, boast a 4-2 road record and have shown offensive firepower, scoring 90 or more points twice in conference play.

The matchup features contrasting styles. Tennessee State ranks among the OVC’s top scoring offenses, while SIU Edwardsville has relied on a defense that allows just 66.2 points per game at home. Containing Nkrumah will be a primary focus for the Cougars’ defense, while the Tigers must account for Sakenis’ rim protection.

This is the first of two regular-season meetings between the schools. They will meet again in Nashville on Feb. 21.

Following this game, Tennessee State travels to face Lindenwood on Saturday. SIU Edwardsville remains home to host Tennessee Tech that same day.