RICHMOND, Ky. – After almost two months of steady non-conference games, the Eastern Kentucky University men’s basketball team finally dives into the conference schedule beginning Saturday when the Colonels host Tennessee State. Game time is set for 7 p.m.

The Colonels (8-5, 1-1 OVC) have won 14 straight home games dating back to December 2008. The Colonels are averaging 77.7 ppg while shooting 50.4 percent from the floor in six home games thus far. Senior Josh Taylor needs 10 points to reach 800 for his collegiate career. He needs to average 11.7 ppg the rest of the year to become the 29th Colonel to reach 1,000 points.

Tennessee State (3-10, 0-2) is filled with new faces this year. The Tigers are led by first year coach John Cooper while the roster has eight new faces including five freshmen. Junior transfer Josh Sain averages a team-high 14.9 ppg. Freshman Robert Covington leads the squad in rebounding at 5.5 rpg. TSU shot a season-high 47.8 percent (11-of-23) from behind the arc in its most recent game at Alabama on Dec. 30.

Eastern Kentucky leads the all-time series by a slim margin of 23-22. The two teams have split the season series each of the last four years. Junior Justin Stommes recorded his first collegiate 20-point game in the most recent meeting between the two teams on Jan. 31, 2009. The Colonels won that game, 77-59.

Following the Tennessee State tilt, EKU is right back in action on Monday with a home game against Austin Peay.

GAMEDAY INFORMATION

Game Notes
--Click here for game notes!

Television
--None

Video Streaming
--Saturday’s game can be seen on the web as part of OVCSports.tv. The cost is $5.95. Click here for live video stream!

Live Audio
--Saturday’s game can be heard locally on WCYO 100.7 FM. Click here for live radio broadcast!

Live Stats
--Click here for live stats!

Tickets
--Tickets are available by calling the EKU ticket office at 859-622-2122. The ticket box office will open at 3 p.m., one hour prior to the women’s contest. Arena doors will open at 3 p.m., as well.

Directions
--Click here for directions to Eastern Kentucky University.

Storylines
--The Colonels attempted 41 three-pointers at Chattanooga on Dec. 30, the most in five years under head coach Jeff Neubauer.

--After scoring at least 14 points in six straight games, senior Papa Oppong has been held to single figures in three straight contests.