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GAME NOTES: Two hot teams battle it out in an Ohio Valley Conference clash tonight, as the Panthers of Eastern Illinois play host to the Tennessee State Tigers at Lantz Arena.

Eastern Illinois comes into the affair a winner of six straight contests, including an 83-73 victory at home against conference rival Austin Peay on Thursday night, helping its OVC record to 10-7. The Panthers' longest prior winning streak on the season was three games, which has happened twice.

Despite a poor 9-21 record on the season, Tennessee State has been the victor in five of its last six games, including a road win that clinched a spot in the OVC tourney over Southeast Missouri on Thursday night, 74-67. Prior to that time span, the Tigers were reeling, as they were losers of seven straight, and 12 of 13 contests.

Tennessee State leads the all-time series between the squads, 23-18. The last battle back on December 3rd however, saw Eastern Illinois come out on top in an 83-81 thriller that took three overtimes to decide.

Eastern Illinois toppled Austin Peay 83-73 on Thursday night behind terrific performances from Tyler Laser and Jeremy Granger, both netting 21 points in the victory. Laser and Granger also lead the Panthers in scoring on the season, scoring 14.3 and 10.3 points per game, respectively. James Hollowell added 12 points in the victory, while Shaun Pratl contributed 11 off the bench. Eastern Illinois found itself trailing 36-35 at the intermission, but outscored Austin Peay 48-37 in the second half behind 17-of-32 shooting (53.1 percent) from the floor, as well as 12-of-17 from the charity stripe. The Panthers used their strength under the rim to their advantage, doubling up Austin Peay in points in the paint on the night, 40-20. Eastern Illinois played a sound and disciplined game, committing just four turnovers en route to the win.

Tennessee State is coming off a 74-67 victory at Southeast Missouri on Thursday night, placing its conference record at 6-11. The Tigers took a commanding 42-29 advantage at the intermission after their defense held SEMO to a lackluster 28.0 percent shooting from the floor in the opening half. Tennessee State didn't quit while ahead, keeping the pressure on defensively in the second stanza, holding its opponent to an even worse 26.5 shooting percentage from field-goal range. Robert Covington led the way with 27 points for the Tigers, including a perfect 13-of-13 from the free-throw line. Covington's 10.7 ppg is second amongst active players on the team behind Jacquan Nobles' 11.1 ppg. Josh Sain averaged 13.1 ppg in 21 games played, but continues to be out due to disciplinary reasons.

Look for Eastern Illinois to come out on top if Tyler Laser and Jeremy Granger play like they have been. The Panthers will make sure this one doesn't take any extra sessions to decide a victor.