Eastern’s men’s team will play its only pre-season exhibition game against Olivet Nazarene 6 p.m. Sunday at Lantz Arena.

The last time these teams met was in 2009 for an exhibition game and the Panthers narrowly escaped with a 72-70 win.

In that game, senior guard-then a sophomore-Jeremy Granger hit a game-winning shot in the final minutes and scored 15 points.

Granger said during the off-season he worked hard to improve on his leadership skills and strength.

Granger was selected to the preseason All-Ohio Valley Conference team. Last year, the Panthers lost their other preseason All-OVC selection after ten games, when guard Tyler Laser had a season-ending back injury.

Coming off a 9-20 season overall, the Panthers are optimistic that this team can turn that record around this year.

Red-shirt junior forward James Hollowell said he expects a lot from the team.

“We have a lot of talent,” Hollowell said. “We have to make the tournament this year, there is no way we can’t make it.”

He said the team should be one of the better teams in the conference.

Eastern has added seven new players. Hollowell said each player brings something different to the team.

“I like the new guys,” Granger said. “They come out and work hard every day and for the most part they are getting it. I like what they are doing right now.”

Head coach Mike Miller said the team is a good group and they have been working hard since last spring.

“There is a pretty good core of guys,” Miller said. “The guys have worked harder than the ever have in the off-season and we aren’t taking anything for granted.”

The official regular season starts Friday Nov. 11 when the Panthers go on the road against Indiana State.

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