ALGOOD, Tenn. (Interstat) — Eastern Illinois built a commanding first-half lead and withstood a fierce Tennessee Tech comeback to secure a 60-54 Ohio Valley Conference men’s basketball victory Saturday at Eblen Center.

The Panthers led 31-19 at halftime, but the Golden Eagles surged with a 35-point second half. Eastern Illinois’ defense proved decisive, forcing 20 turnovers while committing only seven. Zion Fruster led all scorers with 20 points for the Panthers. JaJuan Nicholls scored a game-high 23 points for Tennessee Tech.

Both teams are now 10-15 overall this season. Attendance was 1,077.