Eastern’s double win in Lantz Arena Saturday was a rare occasion. Not only did both the men’s and women’s team win their games, but they won them with ease.

The men’s team cruised to a 29-point victory and the women’s team pulled away from the Tigers in the second half for a 77-68 win, however neither win is very impressive. Tennessee State’s combined record for men’s and women’s basketball this season is 4-32, 0-15 in the Ohio Valley Conference.

Tennessee State’s men’s team has been riddled with controversy this season stemming from former head coach Nolan Richardson III threatening assistant coach Hosea Lewis with a firearm.

After making 30.8 percent of his field goals in the second half, Tennessee State could use a little more work on the firing range.

Wins have been elusive for the women’s team this year without preseason all-Ohio Valley Conference first team selection Pam O’Connor. The Panthers have just four wins this year.

The women’s performance has been particularly frustrating. After last season’s strong finish to qualify for the OVC Tournament, I had high expectations for this squad in 2002-03. The only player the Panthers lost from last year’s team was guard Michelle Lewis. Lewis set a school record for three-point field goals made in a season with 58, but she also took more three-pointers (155) than anyone else in Eastern history.

The Panthers looked good on paper at the beginning of the season. O’Connor would return to action by midseason, so while O’Connor was out other players would have the chance to play, improve and become another weapon when she returned.

Eastern’s only two seniors Brooke Gossett and Kayla Bloemer should have provided leadership in the post, but Bloemer hasn’t made a single start this year and is averaging just 12.7 minutes a game.

Junior center Allison Collins has been a solid inside player this year making 11 starts in 19 games. Junior transfer Katie Meyers is one of the most versatile players on the team and has the ability play in the post or the wing.

On the perimeter, the Panthers looked strong as well.

Because Ashley Kearney was returning from a medical red shirt, junior guard Lauren Dailey would get to move back to her natural position on the wing instead of playing the point.

Kearney ran the offense well considering the team was without O’Connor. She started in all 15 games she played in before her aggravating the back injury a couple of weeks ago.

Sophomores Sara Riva and Rachel Karos have a year of experience and both fill key roles. Riva has the potential to give Panthers burst of offense off the bench and Karos’ hustle and tough defense can change the momentum in games.

Eastern had a pleasant surprise in freshman Megan Sparks. Sparks proved to be a talented scorer with the ability to make three’s like the departed Lewis and has worked her way into the starting lineup

However, the Panthers fell into old habits. Eastern could keep games close for the first half, but would fall apart in the second. Losses came in bunches for the Panthers and are in the same position as last year, at the bottom half of the conference trying to work their way up.

Eastern’s basketball teams have much to prove this week. Both teams play three home games during the next eight games. The men’s team will have to play Morehead, who is dominating the OVC this season and owns an 8-1 conference record.

The women’s team will face second place Eastern Kentucky who are 14-6 and 6-2.

Success during this week for Eastern’s basketball teams would give fans more to get excited about than a pair of wins against last-place teams.