With two weeks remaining in the regular season, the men’s basketball team finds itself within striking distance of the Ohio Valley Conference championship going into Saturday’s road test against South East Missouri State (14-11, 5-8).

Currently, Eastern is one of four teams that is just a game back of league leading Tennessee Tech.

“This is our last road game,” said Panther senior guard Kyle Hill. “We feel we’re in a great position right now with only one road game left and finishing off the season at home.”

The Lantz gymnasium has been very friendly to Eastern, as the men have been a perfect 10-0 at home.

However, games on the road have been a different story. The Panthers have dropped their last two games on the road and the Show Me Center in Cape Girardeau, Mo., has not been a home-away-from-home for Eastern.

“It’s (Show Me Center) is a real tough place to play,” Hill said. “We’ve not done too well there, but anytime your at someone else’s gym in this league it’s hard to get a win.”

The Indians have fallen on hard times as of late, dropping four out of their last five games while only producing 70.3 points per game, lowest in the OVC.

“When you’ve played 13 conference games you expect your shots to be falling,” SEMO head coach Gary Garner said. “Offensively we just haven’t been consistent. I thought that we would be better offensively at the start of the year but we struggle executing.”

A lone bright spot for the Indian’s offense is senior Michael Stokes. The 6-foot-2-inch guard is averaging 16.2 points per game and is capable of leading his team to victory on any night.

“Michael is the heart and soul of this team,” Garner said. “He’s our leading scorer and is up their on our team in rebounds. Not only does he do well for himself, but he makes things happen for other people.”

“He’s a tough player,” Hill said of Stokes. “He’s quick off the dribble and when he gets in the lane he dishes (the ball) well.”

Another concern for the Panthers is the size of SEMO. Terry Rogers (6-foot-10-inches), Nyah Jones (6-foot-11-inches) and Daniel Weaver (6-foot-8-inches) will be a big challenge for Eastern’s front line.

“Our big guys are going to have to be strong,” Hill said. “They (SEMO’s big men) are not really offensive threats but they’re big bodies who do a good job for them.”

The Panthers spirits are high after knocking off Tennessee Tech on Monday night, and Eastern should be well rested going into Saturday’s contest.

“Everything is real positive right now,” Hill said. “Coach has been very positive and patient with us even despite the two losses. We know we are still in a position to win (conference) and we’re happy to be in that position.”