EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. (Interstat) — Arnas Sakenis posted a double-double with 16 points and 12 rebounds, and SIU Edwardsville withstood a late rally to edge Tennessee Tech 62-58 in an Ohio Valley Conference men’s basketball game Saturday at Vadalabene Center.

The Cougars (13-8, 4-2 OVC) led by as many as 12 points in the second half but saw their advantage whittled down to a single possession in the final minute. A key offensive rebound and free throws from Sakenis, followed by a critical block from Kyle Thomas, secured the victory for the home team.

Tennessee Tech (7-14, 1-5) struggled offensively for much of the contest, shooting just 37.9% from the field and a frigid 17.6% from three-point range. The Golden Eagles’ 94.9 offensive rating on 61 possessions underscored their inefficiency, while SIU Edwardsville operated at a more effective 108.5 rating on 57 possessions.

The game’s most pivotal sequence occurred in the final 39 seconds with SIU Edwardsville clinging to a 60-58 lead. After Tyler King missed a jumper, Sakenis secured the offensive rebound and was fouled. The 6-foot-11 junior from Tinley Park, Illinois, made the first of two free throws to extend the lead to three. Following a Tennessee Tech timeout, the Golden Eagles’ Mekhi Cameron drove for a potential tying layup, but Thomas swatted the attempt away with 13 seconds left. SIU Edwardsville’s Kyle Thomas then sealed the game by making one of two free throws after being fouled on the ensuing inbounds play.

Sakenis, who added a block in 33 minutes, anchored a Cougars defense that limited second chances despite Tennessee Tech’s nine offensive rebounds. His performance marked a strong bounce-back after being held to four points two games prior.

JaJuan Nicholls led all scorers with 17 points for Tennessee Tech, adding five rebounds. Mekhi Cameron contributed 15 points and four rebounds for the Golden Eagles, while Ty Owens finished with 11 points.

SIU Edwardsville built its lead with a methodical first half, capitalizing on early Tennessee Tech turnovers and cold shooting. The Cougars never trailed after the opening minute, when Darrion Baker hit a three-pointer. A 10-2 run midway through the first period, capped by a Tyler King three-pointer, gave SIU Edwardsville a 21-10 advantage it would not relinquish.

The Cougars’ offense was balanced, with King scoring 14 points and Thomas adding 11 points and five rebounds off the bench. Point guard Jack Campion directed the attack with a game-high six assists.

Tennessee Tech’s persistent defense, which generated seven turnovers and five steals, kept the game within reach. The Golden Eagles cut a 46-34 deficit with 12 minutes remaining down to 60-58 in the final minute, fueled by interior scoring from Nicholls and Cameron. The team finished with 34 points in the paint, matching SIU Edwardsville’s total.

Ultimately, the Cougars’ superior efficiency and key plays in the final minute proved decisive. SIU Edwardsville shot 41.8% from the field and committed only seven turnovers. Tennessee Tech’s five assists against five turnovers highlighted an offense that often stalled in half-court sets.

The victory gives SIU Edwardsville its second consecutive conference win as it prepares for a road test at Morehead State on Thursday. Tennessee Tech, mired in a three-game losing streak, looks to regroup at Tennessee State on Tuesday.