CHARLESTON, Ill. (Interstat) — A surging Tennessee State team visits a struggling Eastern Illinois squad in an Ohio Valley Conference men’s basketball matchup Saturday at Lantz Arena.

The Tigers (10-5, 3-0 OVC) enter on a five-game winning streak, including a 90-68 road rout of Western Illinois on Thursday. Tennessee State has not lost since Dec. 20.

The Panthers (5-10, 1-2), meanwhile, snapped a three-game skid with a 71-61 home victory over Tennessee Tech on Thursday. Eastern Illinois has found consistent wins elusive, with its only other victory in the last month coming against non-Division I opponent East-West University.

Tennessee State is powered by guard Travis Harper, who has averaged 22.2 points over his last six games. He scored 23 points in just 22 minutes in the win at Western Illinois. Khalil London added 15 points off the bench in that contest.

Eastern Illinois counters with guard Meechie White, who is coming off a 13-point, 3-assist performance in the win over Tennessee Tech. Forward Andre Washington provided a spark with 20 points in that game.

The Tigers have shown potency on the road this season, with notable non-conference wins at UNLV and UNC Asheville. The Panthers are 4-3 at home but have struggled against high-major competition, including lopsided losses at Purdue and Iowa State.

This game begins a key stretch for both teams in OVC play. Tennessee State will look to maintain its perfect conference record, while Eastern Illinois aims to build momentum and climb the league standings.

Tip-off is scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026.