EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. (Interstat) — A surging SIU Edwardsville squad will look to capitalize on its home court advantage when it hosts a struggling Tennessee Tech team in an Ohio Valley Conference men’s basketball matchup Saturday at the Vadalabene Center.

The Cougars (12-8, 4-3 OVC) enter on a two-game win streak following a 74-66 victory over Tennessee State on Thursday. Guard Jack Campion has been the catalyst, dishing a career-high 10 assists in that win to secure a double-double. Over his last seven games, Campion has averaged 9.0 points and 5.9 assists, serving as the primary facilitator for an offense that also features forward Kyle Thomas, who scored 20 points against the Tigers.

Conversely, the Golden Eagles (7-13, 2-5) are mired in a slump, having lost five of their last six games. They are coming off an 89-68 road loss at Lindenwood on Thursday where defensive struggles persisted. Tennessee Tech has allowed an average of 78.2 points per game during its 1-5 stretch.

A key matchup will feature the teams’ standout guards. SIUE’s Campion, a consistent playmaker, will be countered by Tennessee Tech’s JaJuan Nicholls, a scoring threat who has shown flashes of high production. Nicholls is averaging 12.4 points over his last five contests, including a 19-point performance against Tennessee State and a 16-point outing versus Southern Indiana earlier this month. His ability to score in bursts will be crucial for a Tech offense that has been held under 70 points in four of its last five losses.

The Cougars have found success at home this season, going 8-2 at Vadalabene Center, including a 4-1 mark in conference play. Tennessee Tech has yet to win a true road game this season (0-9), a stark disadvantage as they visit one of the OVC’s tougher home venues.

Historically, the teams split their two meetings last season, each winning on their home floor. SIUE will aim to continue that trend and solidify its position in the upper half of the conference standings, while Tennessee Tech desperately seeks a road win to halt its skid.

Tipoff is set for Saturday afternoon.