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Eastern Illinois (7-5) vs Belmont (6-6)
Saturday, Jan. 4 | 2:00 pm
Nashville, Tenn. | Curb Event Center
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GAME NOTES:

BRING ON THE CHAMPS: The Panthers (7-5) are back in Nashville for a marquee match-up against last years champion Belmont Bruins (6-6). The Panthers will be looking to continue their success after handling the Tigers of Tennessee State. Belmont has won the OVC championship last four years, so Matt Bollant and the Panthers will have their work cut out for them in tomorrows game. 

THE GAME PLAN: The Panthers will need to start strong early and put points on the board. The size and rebounding of Belmont could be an issue, however Abby Wahl has shown that she is one of the strongest post players in the entire OVC. Wahl may have to transition more to being a decoy for this game in order to get shooters open. Karle Pace is coming off of a offensive explosion as she scored 24 points and hit four three-pointers in the game. Pace will want to keep the same mentality going up against the size of Belmont's guards.

SCOUTING THE BRUINS: The Belmont Bruins are a very tall team. In fact, they only have four players who are not listed at 6' or taller. This is going to be difficult for the Panthers from and interior scoring and rebounding aspect. Ellie Harmeyer is one of the best forwards in the OVC; averaging 17.3 points and 10.8 rebounds per-game. The Panthers best chance against Harmeyer is to double her in the post and force her to shoot from long distance, as she isn't a particularly great shooter from long range. If the Panthers can shut Harmeyer down and make shots, then Matt Bollant's team could be walking out of Nashville 2-0.

UP NEXT: The Panthers will hit the road again, as they take on Eastern Kentucky on Thursday, Jan. 9, and Morehead State on Saturday, Jan. 11.