PDF Box  |  HTML Box  |  Photo Gallery (by Sandy King)

CHARLESTON, Ill. – Eastern Illinois rallied from a nine point half time deficit to take the lead midway through the second half only to see visiting Valparaiso respond with an 8-0 run as the Crusaders won 65-58 over the Panthers at Lantz Arena.

EIU fell to 6-7 overall and will play on Thursday at SIU Edwardsville. Valparaiso improved to 3-9.

The Panthers shot just 27 percent in the first half as they trailed 31-22 at the break. Betsy Adams had ten of her game-high 20 points for the Crusaders in the first half as Valpo shot 41 percent and held a 24-16 rebound advantage.

EIU opened the second half with an 8-2 run as Sydney Mitchell drained a 3-pointer and the Panthers closed the margin to 33-30 at the 17:26 mark. EIU would continue to work its way back into the game taking the lead at 41-39 with Ta'Kenya Nixon's lay-up with 13:30 to play.

Valparaiso answered with a 3-pointer by Laura Richards as the Crusaders hit 7-of-20 from beyond the arc. EIU would take another two-point lead at the 10:37 mark on Mitchell's jumper as she finished with seven points.

Kelsey Wyss tied the game for the eighth time at 52-52 with 8:33 left for the final tie of the contest. Rashida Ray triggered the 8-0 Valpo run one the next possession as the Crusaders slowly pulled away. During the run Valpo held an 8-2 rebound advantage as they finished with a 44-29 rebounding advantage.

Tabitha Gerardot had a double-double at 11 points and ten rebounds for Valpo.

Nixon led the Panthers with 16 points. Chantelle Pressley added 12 while Mariah King had 11.