| 1 | 2 | T | |
|---|---|---|---|
| EIU | 19 | 28 | 47 |
| TNST | 19 | 31 | 50 |
Mekowulu lifts Tennessee State past Eastern Illinois 50-47
NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Christian Mekowulu scored a career-high 27 points and hauled in 10 rebounds to lift Tennessee State to a 50-47 win over Eastern Illinois on Saturday night.
In a tight game where neither team led by more than five points, Tennessee State (10-11, 5-5 Ohio Valley Conference) got a pair of free throws followed by a 3-point play from Mekowulu to edge back on top 49-45 with 47 seconds remaining.
Montell Goodwin sliced the deficit back to two on a jumper at the other end before Mekowulu dropped in another free throw with seven seconds left and Ray Crossland missed a potentially game-tying 3-pointer just ahead of the buzzer.
Mekowulu finished 8 of 14 from the field and missed just four of his 15 free throws to secure the season sweep over Eastern Illinois.
Eastern Illinois (7-14, 3-7) shot just 29 percent from the field. Mack Smith, who was just 3-of-12 shooting, scored 17 points and made all 11 of his free throws.
Game Information
- Referees:
- Scott Johnson
- Bobby Daw
- Eric Mims
2023-24 Ohio Valley Conference Standings
| Team | CONF | GB | OVR |
|---|---|---|---|
| Morehead State | 14-4 | - | 26-9 |
| UT Martin | 14-4 | - | 21-11 |
| Little Rock | 14-4 | - | 21-13 |
| Western Illinois | 13-5 | 1 | 21-12 |
| Tennessee State | 10-8 | 4 | 18-15 |
| SIU Edwardsville | 9-9 | 5 | 17-16 |
| Eastern Illinois | 8-10 | 6 | 14-18 |
| Tennessee Tech | 5-13 | 9 | 10-21 |
| Southern Indiana | 5-13 | 9 | 8-24 |
| Southeast Missouri State | 4-14 | 10 | 9-22 |
| Lindenwood | 3-15 | 11 | 9-22 |
Men's College Basketball News