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Box Score

MURRAY, KY. - The Panthers fell 92-87 to the Racers of Murray State on Thursdays game. Despite Lariah Washington putting up a career-high 35, Eastern wasn't able to finish the game out. Murray State kept in the game with three pointer after three pointer, until the final buzzer sounded. EIU battle but fell, as their record drops to 11-9 (5-4 OVC), while Murray State's record moves up to 10-10 (3-6 OVC).

The Panthers and Racers started in a back and forth battle. Washington came ready to play for Eastern as she scored 5 of the Panthers 8 points. The Racers jumped back in with a three pointer and a Macey Turley jumper. Pace responded with a contested shot of her own, which she followed with a corner three. Jordyn Hughes managed to nail a three-pointer as well along with an easy layup; giving her 5 points at the media timeout. Both teams cooled of until the buzzer sounds, and the Panthers led at the end of the first 20-17.

Jordyn Hughes started off the quarter with a mid-range jumper for the Panthers, but the team slowed after her score. Murray State was relentless with their shooting ability, as they hit yet another three. Eastern looked out of sorts in the beginning of the second as they let up their lead to Murray State. The Panthers doubled their first quarter turnovers in the first five minutes of the second quarter. Abby Wahl scored in deep for EIU's first score in nearly four minutes. The shooting of the Racers let the lead pull all the way to 11 points. The Racers led 43-32 at half.

The Panthers had to make a change to slow this Murray State team down going into the second half. Wahl and Washington scored the Panthers first few points, and after a defensive stop and  layup in transition the Racers needed a timeout. Wahl continued to to push Murray State around in the paint as she scored consecutive buckets and pulled Eastern back into this game. After another transition layup Murray State called for another timeout. After a Washington layup the game was all tied up at 50. The lead was in the grasp of the Panthers over and over again, but they struggled to take it. In the final seconds of the quarter, Washington was given the ball with four seconds left. Washington nailed a floater to not only give the Panthers the lead, but also give Washington a career-high in scoring. Panthers led going into the fourth, 57-56. 

Murray State responded taking the lead right back after a three point make. EIU wouldn't be denied as Kira Arthofer nailed her second three pointer of the game, giving EIU the lead right back. Washington continued to add to her scoring total in the game. It continued to be a battle for lead. The Racers took over the lead, but the Panthers responded taking it right back. Eastern pulled the lead to 10 points in the fourth quarter, but the lead never felt safe. Murray State stayed in with their full court defensive pressure which led to some turnovers and easy scores for the Racers. The Racers pulled back into the game after the game was all but sealed. After a miracle three-pointer from the Racers the game was all tied up. Wahl was trusted with the final shot and came up just short. The game headed to overtime at 78 a piece.

The Racers immediately score in the paint off of the overtime tip. Washington put up her 31st point in OT on a smooth lay in to put EIU up. Murray State started to pull away after a couple rebound put back. Arthofer fouled out, putting Turley at the line. Turley nailed them both putting the lead 89-83 with about 2 minutes left. The Panthers weren't able to come back after a Pace three point attempt fell short. 

EIU will return to play against Austin Peay on Saturday, Feb. 1.