EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. – Jack Campion's first career double-double and the first career 20-point game from Kyle Thomas lifted SIUE to a 74-66 win Thursday in front of 2,375 at First Community Arena and a national television audience on ESPNU.

The Cougars improved to 5-4 in the Ohio Valley Conference and 12-8 overall. Tennessee State dropped to 6-3 in the OVC and 12-7 overall. The win is the fourth straight for SIUE in the series with the Tigers.

Campion scored 14 points and tied his career high with 10 assists. He added four rebounds and a steal. Thomas landed seven of nine field goal attempts and went 6-7 at the free throw line for a career-best 20 points. Tyler King scored 13 points, including 11 in the second half. Arnas Sakenis tied his career high with five blocks.

The Cougars got off to a strong start shooting the ball and connected on their first four three-point attempts but found themselves trailing 16-8 after a three free throws by Travis Harper II.

SIUE then went on an 11-0 run to regain the lead 19-16 after a traditional three-point play by Thomas with 12:33 to play.

In all, the lead changed five times in the first half, and the two teams were tied at 34 at the break.

The Cougars opened the scoring in the second half and scored 10 of the first 12 points out of the break. An 8-0 run pushed the advantage to 44-36 following a free throw by King less than four minutes in the half.

SIUE grew its lead to 10 points twice. It was 56-46 after a Jo Valrie Dunk 10:38 to play. A layup by Jordan Pickett with 4:17 left made it 65-55.

Tennessee State got as close as four twice in the final 2:39 of the game, but never drew any closer.

SIUE shot 52 percent (25-48) for the game. The Cougar were 13-23 (57 precent) in the second half. SIUE finished with 18 assists, its most in game against a Division I opponent this year.

Tennessee State was led by Harper's 17 points. Dante Harris added 16 points. The Tigers shot just 33 percent (22-67) overall but hit 18-22 free throw attempts.

The Cougars stay home to play host to Tennessee Tech Saturday. Tipoff is currently scheduled for 4 p.m. Fans should follow @SIUECougars on social media and SIUECougars.com for any changes to the schedule.