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Photo Gallery (By
Sandy King)
CHARLESTON, Ill. – Eastern Illinois shot 52 percent in the second half as the Panthers picked up a 64-56 win over Austin Peay on Wednesday night at Lantz Arena. The Panthers defense also stepped up in the second half holding APSU to 25 percent shooting.
EIU won its second straight to improve to 3-21 overall, 2-10 in the OVC. APSU fell to 7-18 overall, 5-7 in the OVC.
The score was tied at 28-28 after
Jalisha Smith ended the half for EIU with two free throws. APSU had grabbed a two point lead on a jumper in the paint by Tearra Banks.
EIU used a 7-0 run midway through the third period to open up the score.
Halle Stull started the run with a 3-pointer followed by jumpers by
Phylicia Johnson. EIU led 43-36 with 3:27 to play in the third period. Johnson was one of two EIU players in double figures finishing with 15 points.
Grace Lennox had a pair of baskets to open the fourth period as EIU led by ten points with 8:07 to play. The lead would grow to 12 points on free throws by Johnson.
APSU cut the margin to three points with 4:02 left in the game as Tiasha Gray converted a lay-up. The two teams exchanged free throws before
Shakita Cox put EIU up for good with a 3-pointer with 2:52 to play. Cox scored the final four points for EIU in the game finishing with a team high 16 points.
Beth Rates led APSU with 16 points. Sydney Gooch had a double-double with 11 points, 11 rebounds. Gray finished with 13.