ESPNU is broadcasting the Eastern men’s basketball game against Morehead State Thursday at 8 p.m. No offense, but this game is not worthy of an ESPN broadcast.

The opening act for the doubleheader pins the No. 1 women’s team in the Ohio Valley Conference against the No. 2 team in the OVC at 5 p.m.

Already, the five o’clock game has better face value than the eight o’clock one that matches up the No. 2 team in the OVC against the No. 5 team, which barely has a winning record.

The opener features what is going to be a fabulous Eastern-Morehead State game that, if it lives up to the standards set by the first game between the two, is going to be a great game.

The first game between Eastern and Morehead saw the Panthers win by a slim, two-point margin thanks to the ice-cold veins of sophomore forward Chantelle Pressley, who hit two free throws with 2.3 seconds left.

Those two teams were not the same as they are now.

Both teams are now on winning streaks that rank with their programs’ highest and they have two of the hottest players in the OVC.

Eastern senior forward Maggie Kloak is arguably on fire as of late. In her last five games, she’s averaging 15.2 points per game and 6.4 rebounds per game.

Meanwhile, Morehead State junior guard Chynna Bozeman is undoubtedly the hottest player in her last five games.

She’s averaging 22.8 ppg, including back-to-back games where she scored 30 and 37 points, respectively.

Bozeman and Kloak found themselves in a heavyweight bout the last time the two faced off Jan. 16, scoring 22 and 20 points, respectively.

Not to say that the two players’ performances will make all the difference, but they will definitely make a significant amount.

Then, you have to take into account the hot streaks that Eastern and Morehead State are on.

In the Panthers’ last five games, they are averaging 71.8 ppg while only giving up 50.6 ppg. This has been a major part of Eastern’s 11-game win streak.

The same has been affecting Morehead State during its current five-game win streak.

In its last five games, the Eagles are averaging 76.6 ppg while holding opponents to 57.8 ppg.

It is clear that these teams are rightfully the top two contenders in the OVC this season and they are going to be battling it out on the court again Thursday.

Expect a great battle between two teams who have more heart than any team in the OVC.

More than a clash of talent, this game will be a battle of wills.

Boy, it is going to be fun.

Alex McNamee can be reached at 581-7944 or admcnamee@eiu.edu.