Box Score
NASHVILLE, TENN. - EIU showed up for business on the first conference game Thursday night.
Karle Pace continued to have TSU's number, as she dropped 24 points, three assists and two steals in Tuesdays game.
Abby Wahl was the only other Panther to score in double-digits with 11 points.
Lariah Washington was everywhere on the boards, finishing up with seven rebounds and 5 points. TSU was held to a 29% field goal percentage. The Panthers record moves to 7-5, while TSU drops to one of the lowest in the OVC with a record of 2-9.
It was an ugly start for the Panthers, not making one shot from the field until halfway through the first quarter. Pace nailed a three to put the Panthers up 5-4 against TSU for the first made shot by the Panthers. The Tigers were trying to run everything through Taylor Roberts, who took six of the teams eight shots going into the first media timeout. Coming out of the timeout, Pace swished another three, giving her 6 points in the first quarter. The Panthers finished off the quarter on a two minute scoring drought, but held the lead going into the second quarter. Panthers led 12-10.
The second quarter saw more of the same: Pace scoring for the Panthers. Eastern struggled with the offensive rebounding against the Tigers, but didn't let it hinder them as they kept the game close. Luckily Pace didn't cool off as she nailed another three, her fourth of the game, to put her at 16 points against the Panthers. The Panthers and the Tigers both had a long scoring droughts at the end of the quarter. Panthers led at the half, 29-21.
Eastern started off the second half well, as the Panthers scored 6 points in the first four minutes of play. TSU struggled to get anything going.
Kira Arthofer, Washington and Pace continued to pick pocket the Tigers and the opponent couldn't buy a basket. The Tigers made one field goal the entire third quarter. The only thing that kept TSU in the game was free throws, taking nine total and making eight. The Panthers scored 22 points in the quarter and dominated Tennessee State. Panthers led 51-31 going into the final quarter.
The Panthers continued to run away with the game in the fourth quarter, as TSU couldn't make the comeback. All of the reserves, except
Grace McRae, managed to get some solid playing time as the Panthers led handily during the game.
Paige Schumann scored her career high during in the fourth quarter with 7 points. Panthers won their first OVC match up 73-52.
EIU will stay in Nashville to take on Belmont on Saturday.