![E Illinois](https://a.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img=/i/teamlogos/ncaa/500-dark/2197.png&cquality=80&h=256&w=256)
1 | 2 | T | |
---|---|---|---|
EIU | 24 | 49 | 73 |
TNST | 22 | 49 | 71 |
![Tennessee St](https://a.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img=/i/teamlogos/ncaa/500-dark/2634.png&cquality=80&h=256&w=256)
Eastern Illinois upsets Tennessee State in OVC opener, 73-71
EVANSVILLE, Ind. -- Ray Crossland missed one chance to clinch Eastern Illinois' first-round upset of Tennessee State in a first-round Ohio Valley Conference tournament game, but he redeemed himself by blocking a 3-point try by Delano Spencer with a second left to preserve a 73-71 win Wednesday night.
The No. 7 seed, Eastern Illinois advances to face No. 3 Austin Peay in a quarterfinal battle Thursday.
After hitting 3 of 4 free throws in the final minute, Crossland stepped to the line with four seconds left with the chance to turn a two-point lead into a two-possession advantage. But he missed both free throws. The Tigers got the ball to Spencer, who hit two layups and a 3-pointer in the final :21 seconds to get Tennessee State within two points, but Crossland got a hand on his 3-point try.
Eastern Illinois held an 11-point advantage with just over five minutes to play after Montell Goodwin hit a jumper. Darreon Reddick hit a 3-pointer, Spencer turned a 3-point play, Armani Chaney and Stokley Chaffee Jr. both hit 3s and Tennessee State, the No. 6 seed, had cut its deficit to just three, 65-62.
Mack Smith answered with a 3 with 1:04 left and Crossland hit the first of two free throws to push the lead to 69-62 with :43 left. Spenser was fouled behind the arc and hit 2 of 3 from the line to make it 69-64, but DeVantae' Price added a free throw with :34 left.
Crossland finished with 11 points, seven rebounds, four assists, two steals and two blocks. Goodwin finished with 20 points to lead the Panthers (12-18) and Mack Smith added 15 points.
Spencer had 17 points to lead Tennessee State (15-15). Christian Mekowulu scored 15 points and grabbed 12 rebounds and Chaney added 15 points.
Game Information
- Referees:
- Tim Gattis
- Tyler Kumpf
- Edward Crenshaw
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 |