Eastern needs to beat the Skyhawks for the first time this season to advance to the semifinals to play No. 1 Morehead State.

The Panthers have played UT Martin close in both regular season matchups with the last meeting losing 76-68 on Jan 29. and a 65-61 loss at UT Martin on Jan 3. The Skyhawks have won the last five matchups against Eastern. 

Eastern held a seven point halftime lead over UT Martin during the matchup on Jan 3. 

The two teams were tied entering the half during the matchup on Jan 29. 

The Panthers shot 26% from the field in the second half on Jan 3. and shot 28% from the field on Jan 29. 

Eastern guards Meechie White and Zion Fruster average 13 points per game over the two games against UT Martin. Graduate forward Kooper Jacobi averages 12.5 points per game. 

The Skyhawks have the number one defense in the Ohio Valley Conference allowing 61 points per game. They also lead the conference in rebounding averaging 38 rebounds per game.

UT Martin forward Matas Deniuas won freshman of the year and was named to the second All-OVC team. Deniuas averaged 11.8 points and 5.8 rebounds per game. First team All-OVC guard/forward Andrija Bukumirović averaged 14 points, 11.5 rebounds and 3.5 blocks in the two games against the Panthers.  

The Skyhawks are coming off a 67-42 loss against Tennessee State in the final game of the regular season. 

Eastern will look to keep their momentum rolling after upsetting No. 5 Southern Illinois Edwardsville last night 77-71.

Tip-off for the Panthers is at 6p.m. and will be streamed on ESPN+

Cameron Thomas can be reached at 581-2812 or at [email protected].