CHARLESTON, Ill. - Karle Pace posted her sixth double-figure scoring performance of the season with 12 points in the Panthers 59-50 loss to Jacksonville State Thursday night. EIU fell to 2-20 overall, 1-10 OVC while the Gamecocks improved to 14-8 overall, 8-3 OVC.

JSU started the game on a 16-2 run in the first eight minutes of play when the Panthers responded with a 12-2 run into the second quarter. EIU held the Gamecocks scoreless for the last three minutes of the half ending the second quarter on an 11-0 run led by Carmen Tellez. Tellez score eight points in the second quarter helping the Panthers to a three point lead heading into half time.

The Gamecocks increased their pressure defense in the second half regaining the lead just two minutes into the half. The Panthers narrowed JSU's lead to three points at the end of the quarter but the Gamecocks held on to win their eighth conference win.

The Panthers dominated the paint 24-14 over JSU but lost the rebounding battle 44-35.

In addidtion to Pace's team-leading 12 points, Taylor Steele and Danielle Berry added nine points each. Steele tallied five rebounds and two steals while Berry had six boards and three assists. Jennifer Nehls grabbed a team-high eight rebounds.

Three players finished in double-figures for JSU. Rayven Pearson and Tyler Phelion each had 13 points. Taylor Hawks rounded out the scoring efforts with 11 points. Tasha Magruder and Pearson led the Gamecocks with nine and eight rebounds, respectively.

The Panthers will return to action Saturday Feb. 3 at 1 pm as they host Tennessee Tech.