The Tennessee Martin Skyhawks (4-21, 1-14 Ohio Valley Conference) have not performed well this year, but do not let Eastern head coach Mike Miller hear that.

Miller said Tennessee Martin could be a threat to end the Panthers’ three-game winning streak at 7 p.m. Tuesday in Martin, Tenn.

After Saturday’s impressive, 77-54 victory over Eastern Kentucky, Miller was all business in planning for Tennessee Martin.

“We are going to get back to work (Saturday) night and see what we have to do,” Miller said. “The last time was a tight game, and they have played really close games. Everyone in the league is still playing competitively.”

Last time these two teams met, Eastern won 60-46 Jan. 23 in Lantz Arena but the Panthers needed a late 11-0 to finally dispose of the Skyhawks.

Miller said his team cannot overlook Martin, who beat Southeast Missouri 73-70 last Tuesday and lost to Jacksonville State on a last second shot.

“We are going to have to be sharp,” Miller said. “We haven’t played particularly well there and our guys know that, so I think that is a real motivating factor.”

Senior guard Dewayne Wright, Jr. said Eastern will attempt to slow down junior guards Marquis Weddle, Benzor Simmons and Reuben Clayton.

The Skyhawk guards average 41.6 points per game combined.

“We are going to try and keep their guards in front of us,” Wright said. “Their guards make plays. They play out of control. We’ve got to keep them in front of us and stop their dribble penetration. We will be fine if we do that.”

Last game, the Panthers held the trio to 22 points.

Red-shirt freshman James Hollowell is coming off a solid weekend after being named OVC Freshman of the Week for the second time. Hollowell is not overlooking the Skyhawks.

“We need to keep the energy level high and stay aggressive,” Hollowell said. “Just take it to them.”

Junior guard Tyler Laser is also looking to repeat his performance against Tennessee Martin as he had 21 points last game.

“We are all coming into our own and it couldn’t come at a better time,” Laser said. “Our season is coming to an end and we are playing our best ball right now.”

Freshman forward Shaun Pratl said his teammates should rely on each other to continue their winning ways into the conference tournament.

“We need to do what we’ve been doing,” Pratl said. “Right now is the best time of the year to get hot, leading into the end of the season into the conference tournament. We’ve just got to stay focused, stay together and play together as a team.”

Bob Bajek can be reached at 581-7944 or rtbajek@eiu.edu.

Red-shirt freshman guard James Hollowell goes up for a lay up during the game against Morehead State Thursday night in Lantz Arena. Hollowell scored 23 points and the Panthers won 76-75.(Audrey Sawyer/The Daily Eastern News)

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