E Illinois defeats Tennessee Tech 71-61

E Illinois Edges Out Tennessee Tech in Thrilling Conference Rematch

E Illinois delivered a stunning comeback victory over Tennessee Tech, erasing a 7-point deficit at halftime to claim an 71-61 win on the road. The decisive margin came down to just 10 points, a testament to the visitors' relentless push in the final frame.

At the break, E Illinois trailed 29-36 behind Tennessee Tech's 18-for-46 shooting from the field (39.0%). However, the home team found its footing in the second half, going on a 13-5 run to take their first lead of the night at 42-41 with just over five minutes remaining.

The turning point came when Kooper Jacobi scored inside with 2:30 left to put E Illinois up by two. The visitors would not be denied, though, as they responded with an 8-0 spurt of their own, capped off by a Jah'Kim Payne layup that made it 61-59.

E Illinois sealed the deal at the free throw line, where Andre Washington and Meechie White combined to go 10-for-12 (83.3%) in the final minutes.

Washington led E Illinois with 20 points on 4-of-6 three-point shooting and 61.5% field goal efficiency. Jacobi added 11 points, seven rebounds, and two assists off the bench.

For Tennessee Tech, Jah'Kim Payne paced the visitors with 11 points on 3-of-4 three-point shooting (60.0%). Mekhi Cameron chipped in six points and five rebounds, while Ty Owens contributed four assists.

In a game that saw both teams shoot relatively efficiently from the field, E Illinois's free throw prowess proved decisive. The home team made 13 of 18 attempts (72.2%) to Tennessee Tech's 19-for-21 (90.5%).

The victory marked E Illinois' first conference win this season and sets up a crucial rematch next week against ranked opponent X.