Eastern’s men’s basketball team has a record of 8-13 overall and 4-7 in the Ohio Valley Conference, while also riding a three-game losing streak.

The Panthers are entering the most important part of their schedule this season, with just seven OVC games remaining until the conference tournament. They are currently ranked seventh in the standings, four games behind the leader, Austin Peay.

The top eight teams make the end of the season tournament, with the winner getting an automatic bid into the NCAA tournament.

The last time Eastern was in the NCAA tournament was 2001. The Panthers have only had one other tournament appearance in their history and that was in 1992.

If the Panthers are going to make their third trip in school history, they are going to have to play more consistently.

Eastern has won big games against pre-season favorites Murray State and Morehead State; however, it has had some bad losses against Jacksonville State and Tennessee Martin.

The loss of senior guard Tyler Laser does not help the Panthers cause, as he is out for the season with a back injury. Laser was one of the best three-point shooters in the OVC.

Junior guard Jeremy Granger has done a fantastic job of becoming the team leader and taking on the scoring load.

The emergence of freshman guard Issac Smith and freshman forward Alfonzo McKinnie is encouraging for the Panthers. Smith does not provide much scoring, but he is solid defensively and his quickness and athleticism give the team a nice boost.

I could see McKinnie becoming one of the best forwards in the OVC in a few years. He is easily the best athlete on the Eastern roster right now.

If he can develop a few post moves and a 15-foot jump shot he would be nearly impossible to guard. Of course he also needs to put a few pounds of muscle on over the summer to be a true post player.

If the Panthers can finally gel and play consistent basketball, they have the potential to win the OVC tournament and make the NCAA’s. It will be really tough to get past TyShawn Edmunson and Austin Peay.

The Governors are a really well coached team that has historically done well in the post season.

I think right now they are easily the favorite to win the OVC; however, the defending champs Murray State is finally starting to play well, winning 11 of its last 13 games.

There is still a chance for the Panthers, but unless they start playing with more urgency, they will miss the NCAA tournament for the tenth year in a row.

Rob Mortell can be reached at 581-7944 or rdmortell@eiu.edu.