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CORAL GABLES, Fla. – Eastern Illinois dominated play in the paint and held a 20-15 advantage in points off the bench as the Panthers picked up a 72-57 win over Florida Atlantic in the consolation game of the Miami Thanksgiving Tournament. 

Mariah King was a big factor for the Panthers in the paint as she finished with a career-high 21 points leading the Panthers 42-22 advantage. King was 9-of-15 from the floor as EIU improved to 2-4 on the season. 

EIU built a 33-30 lead at the half with Ta'Kenya Nixon leading the way with eight points as she returned to the starting line-up. Nixon finished with 10 points playing 24 minutes. 

Florida Atlantic made a charge in the second half with an 8-0 run out of the locker room to take a 38-33 lead. Chaquera Kent and Viviana Penate converted three point plays during the run. 

The Panthers bench then stepped up with Jordyne Crunk scoring seven points with two driving left-handed lay-ups. Crunk was one of three bench players to combine for the 20 points. Taryn Olson added eight and Jessica Parker five off the bench. 

The two teams traded the lead for about a five minute stretch with each team stepping up at the free throw line. Vontrice Dennis gave FAU its final lead at 53-51 at the 7:47 mark. King would hit a lay-up to mark the 14th tie of the game. 

King then went to work with ten straight points as the Panthers extended the lead to 61-53. Crunk and King then chipped in two more lay-ups and EIU was able to pull away for the win. 

Sydney Mitchell was dominant on the glass pulling down 14 rebounds for the Panthers. Chantelle Pressley added ten points. 

Lyrell Barfield led FAU with 13 points as the Owls dropped to 2-5. 

EIU will open defense of its Ohio Valley Conference title on Thursday with a 5:30 p.m. tip against Tennessee State at Lantz Arena.