OPENING TIP: Fresh off a 20-point win over Western Illinois and a split of the OVC Western spur, the Tennessee State men's basketball team returns to the Gentry Center to face SIUE on Thursday and Eastern Illinois on Saturday.

The Matchup: 
Tennessee State (6-11) vs SIUE (11-6)
Date/Time: Thursday, January 16 at 7:30 PM CT
Location: Gentry Center || NASHVILLE
TV: ESPN+

SERIES INFORMATION VS. SIUE: Tennessee State holds a 14-6 record against SIUE, with the Tigers sweeping the Cougars last season. 

The Matchup: 
Tennessee State vs. EIU
Date/Time: Saturday, January 18 at 3:30 PM CT
Location: Gentry Center || NASHVILLE
TV: ESPN+

SERIES INFORMATION VS. ILLINOIS: Tennessee State leads the all-time series 36-27 and won both matchups against Eastern Illinois last season.

WESTERN ILLINOIS BY THE NUMBERS:

18 The Tigers converted 9 Western Illinois turnovers into 18 points, capitalizing on their defensive efforts to maintain control throughout the game.

24: TSU's bench provided 24 points, highlighted by Justus Jackson's 9 points and Antoine Lorick III's 5 points and 5 rebounds in just 14 minutes.

34: TSU scored 34 points in the paint, with Ronald Jessamy leading the way with 16 points, including 7-of-11 shooting.

34: TSU pulled down 34 total rebounds, including 27 on the defensive end, limiting Western Illinois to only 7 second-chance points.

56%: The Tigers shot an impressive 48.2% from the field, with a stellar 55.56% from beyond the arc in the first half, building an early lead.