NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -- Patrick Miller had a career-high 28 points and a near-perfect shooting night as Tennessee State held off Eastern Illinois 67-59 Saturday night in the Ohio Valley Conference opener for both teams.

Miller, whose previous high was 15, shot 7 of 8 from the field, making all three of his 3-point attempts, and was 11 of 11 from the free-throw line.

The Tigers (7-7), who got to .500 for the first time this season by winning their second consecutive game, led 32-19 at halftime and by 19 with 16:30 left. But the Panthers (3-11) chipped away, trimming the deficit to six, at 54-48 with 3:47 remaining.

After Tennessee State pushed the lead back into double figures, Eastern Illinois closed to 63-59 on Josh Piper's 3-pointer with 25 seconds left.

Miller made four free throws to send the Panthers to their seventh straight loss.

Alex Austin scored 18 to lead Eastern Illinois.

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