EVANSVILLE, Ind. – University of Southern Indiana Men's Basketball begins Ohio Valley Conference action for 2024-25 when it hosts Tennessee State University Thursday and the University of Tennessee at Martin Saturday in Liberty Arena. Game time Thursday versus TSU is set for 7:30 p.m., while Saturday tip against UTM is slated for 3:30 p.m.
 
The USI Screaming Eagles, who enter OVC action with a .500 record (5-5) and have won five of their last seven games, are coming off a 91-56 victory over Shawnee State University Sunday at home. Sophomore forward Stephen Olowoniyi led four Eagles in double-digits versus Shawnee State with 18 points, while junior guard Damoni Harrison followed with 17 points.
 
Junior guards Jayland Randall and Braxton Jones round out the double-digit scorers with 13 points each.
 
Randall leads USI through 10 games and ranks sixth in the OVC with 16.5 points per outing, while Olowoniyi is averaging 15.5 points and is grabbing a team-high 6.2 rebounds. Olowoniyi also ranks 10^th in the OVC in scoring.
 
The Tigers of Tennessee State are 4-7 overall after snapping a four-game losing streak last Saturday with an 89-58 win over Johnson University.
 
USI leads the series with TSU, 5-4, but lost the series last season, 2-1. The Eagles won the first meeting at Liberty Arena, 69-67, but lost to the Tigers, 79-74 in Nashville, Tennessee, and 78-64 at the Ford Center in the opening round of the OVC Championship.
 
The USI-TSU game is the first of three special Thursday doubleheader offers called "812 Nights," with tickets discounted to $8.12 for upper-level seating. Along with discounted prices, USI encourages fans to visit Hacienda West for their $8.12 small wet burrito that comes with a drink from 2-6 p.m. on the three dates of the promotion.
 
Customers can show their e-ticket from the game to receive this limited time offer at Hacienda West. Upon purchasing online tickets, use promo Code 812 at checkout of the following link https://usi.universitytickets.com/w/default.aspx or call 812-465-1189 to lock in the offer.
 
The Skyhawks of UTM, who also are 4-7 overall, visit Liberty Arena and USI to conclude the first week of OVC action. UTM, who plays at Morehead State University Thursday before coming to USI, has won two of its last three and is 2-3 in the last five after getting back on track with a 123-56 victory over Champion Christian College last Sunday.  
 
UTM leads the all-time series with USI, 6-4, and took the only meeting last season, 77-68, in Martin, Tennessee. 
 
Following the first week of OVC action, USI concludes its four-game homestand December 31 when Morehead State visits Liberty Arena for a New Year's Eve showdown.
 
All of the USI Basketball action can be seen live on ESPN+. The game can also be heard on ESPN 97.7FM (http://listentotheref.com) and 95.7FM The Spin (http://957thespin.com). Tickets for the homestand and all USI home dates are on sale now at USIScreamingEagles.com.
 
EDUCATION DAY SATURDAY
 
The USI-UTM Men's and Women's Basketball doubleheader is Education Day at Liberty Arena. Education Day is open to students K-8, offering an opportunity to learn more about USI Athletics, what it takes to be a student-athlete, gain an in-depth look at the Screaming Eagles facilities, and receive a free student admission to the doubleheader.
 
Education Day activities start at 11:30 a.m. in Liberty Arena with a USI student-athlete panel, who will be available to explain their journey, answer questions, and offer advice to the next generation. Following the panel, each student and their guests will be provided with a facility tour of Liberty Arena. 
 
The K-8 students who attend will receive free admission into Saturday's doubleheader and the guest with them may attend the games for $5. The first 100 kids will receive a free book sponsored by Young and Established, along with a free hot dog from the concession stand.