GAME 2
Eastern Illinois returns to action on Wednesday night as the Panthers travel to in-state rival Western Illinois.  The game will be part of the Old Railsplitter Ax Trophy series which was rekindled last year by the two schools.  EIU swept the season series last year.  The Panthers enter at 0-1 after a four-point loss at Big Ten Conference member Nebraska.  Western Illinois is 1-0 after a win over NCAA Division III member Saint Mary's of Minnesota.  EIU has only started 0-2 in one of the last four seasons. 

EIU ON THE STEAL
Eastern Illinois turned up the defense in the season opener against Nebraska as the Panthers finished the game with ten steals.  It marked the first time since Dec. 19 last season against Fontbonne University that EIU had forced ten or more steals in a game.  Transfer Justice Green was the top defender in the game for EIU finishing with three steals.  Jajuan Starks and D'Angelo Jackson had two steals each.  EIU was one of two OVC teams (Tennessee State) to record double figure steals in its season opener.

STARKS ACTIVE IN EIU DEBUT
Junior college transfer Jajuan Starks was active for EIU in his regular season debut finishing with 12 points and six rebounds at Nebraska.  Starks was the Panthers top scorer in exhibition play averaging 18 points in the two games while shooting 53.8 percent from the field.  At Nebraska, Starks was 6-of-12 from the field with three of his rebounds on the offensive glass. 

UP NEXT
Friday, November 17 vs. IUPUI - 7:30 pm (Home Opener) 
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