Box Score
NASHVILLE, Tenn. - The Panthers came away with a W against the Bison of Lipscomb on Sunday afternoon. The Panthers started off on a 9-3 run against the Bison.
Abby Wahl scored 16 points, hauled in 5 rebounds and was an instant impact for EIU.
Jordyn Hughes led the Panthers in scoring with 24 points on the day.
Taylor Steele continued to flex her overall ability, finishing the game with 9 points and 13 rebounds. EIU's record moves to 4-3, while the Bison fall to 1-6 on the season.
Eastern got off to a strong start, with Wahl scoring 7 points in the first five minutes of play. Lipscomb struggled to keep the ball in their hands, committing four turnovers going into the first media timeout. The Panthers came out of the break looking a little careless with the basketball. The team ended the first quarter with six turnovers, the same as Lipscomb. To finish the quarter,
Taylor Steele heaved up a prayer from three and nailed it at the buzzer, ending the first quarter 18-8 in favor of Eastern. Wahl led all scorers with 10 points at the end of the first.
The Panthers played well at the beginning of the second quarter, holding Lipscomb to only 7 points going into the media timeout. The Panthers still struggled to protect the ball, committing three early turnovers. Eastern finished the half with a total of 12 turnovers. Wahl continued to be the focal point of the Panthers offense, along with
Jordyn Hughes, who continues to be instant offense off the bench. Wahl ended the half with 12 points, and Hughes ending with 7 points. Panthers led the Bison 33-24 at half.
The third quarter was a tough start for the half for both teams. The Panthers were outscored by Jalyn Holcomb alone, who had 7 points going into the media timeout. The Panthers struggled to stop Lipscomb's leading scorer, giving up a total of 9 points to her in the quarter. Hughes managed to get the Panthers out of their offensive bind, after going without a field goal for nearly four minutes. Eastern managed to score 12 points, while the Bison scored 16 on the quarter. The Panthers ended the quarter leading 45-40.
The Panthers came back with a vengeance, scoring 5 points and holding Lipscomb scoreless, and forcing them to take an early timeout with 8:32 left on the clock. Wahl blew past the defense, getting an easy lay-up and bringing her total up to 15 points.
Jordyn Hughes remained hot, nailing the three that forced the Bison to take a timeout. Hughes led all scorers with 15 points on the game. Eastern continued to try to pull away, but the Bison wouldn't quit; keeping the score around 10 points for the entirety. Eastern did manage to come away with the victory: 66-56.
The Panthers will be back in Lantz Arena this week, Friday, Dec. 7 at 1 p.m.