By Mike Lehman, TTU Sports Information Coordinator
COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – It's finally time for the Tennessee Tech men's basketball team to take on league competition, as the Golden Eagles prepare for their Ohio Valley Conference opener Thursday evening at Eastern Illinois.
Tech begins its 2014-15 conference season against the Panthers in a 3:15 p.m. CST match-up, the second game in a doubleheader with the Golden Eagle women's squad. The Tech women also play the Panthers, opening their own OVC season at 1 p.m.
The Panthers enter the contest after over a week off for the holidays, having last played at Cleveland State on Dec. 23. Eastern Illinois defeated the Vikings, 67-65, earning its third consecutive victory following wins over Indiana State and Northern Illinois.
The Golden Eagles are coming off an impressive home victory over North Florida, defeating the Ospreys in an old-fashioned shootout, 87-84. It marked the second straight victory for the Tech squad, which also took home a 21-point road win at UMKC on Dec. 22.
Tennessee Tech (8-5) at Eastern Illinois (6-6)
Thursday, Jan. 1, 2014
3:15 p.m. CST
Lantz Arena (5,400) – Charleston, Ill.
The Broadcasts
TV: None
Radio: 106.1 The Eagle (Roger Ealey)
Webcast: OVC Digital Network
SETTING THE STAGE
In 12 games this season, Trae Anderson leads the Panthers in scoring, averaging 11.2 points per game on 43.9 percent shooting from the field. He ranks as the second best rebounder on the team, collecting 4.5 boards.
Chris Olivier also scores in double figures, adding 10.4 points to the mix while shooting 54.3 percent from the floor. He leads the Panthers with 4.8 rebounds per game and 11 blocks.
As a team, Eastern Illinois averages just 59 points per game, having scored more than 80 points just once all year. On the flip side, the Panthers are holding opponents to a measly 60.4 points per game, representing the stingiest D in the OVC this season.
The Golden Eagles have exploded offensively the past two contests, dropping 80 points each time, including a season-high 87 against North Florida Monday evening. That makes seven times this season Tech has eclipsed the 80-point threshold.
Big man Charles Jackson enters league play after coming off a huge performance against the Ospreys, dropping career marks in points and rebounds with 28 and 16, respectively. He recorded his 10th double-double of the year, ranking him second in the nation.
Fellow frontcourt man Dwan Caldwell also scores frequently for the Golden Eagles, adding 12.6 points for the Tech offense in addition to 5.1 rebounds. Joisah Moore and Torrance Rowe each average 9.8 points as well.
Photo by TTU Photo Services
