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Box Score  |  Photo Gallery (by Sandy King)

CHARLESTON, Ill. - The Panthers came out with a 82-71 win in a tight knit game against the UIC Flames on Wednesday afternoon. Coach Kyley Simmons to the reins today as Matt Bollant was out of town. The Abby Wahl and Lariah Washington combination were simply incredible. The pair each finished the game with a double-double. Wahl finished with 21 rebounds, smashing her old career-high of 11. The Panthers will look to continue their success as they take on the Minnesota Gophers on December 2.

EIU started the day fairly well, shooting 47% from the field. The Panthers led UIC 23-16 at the end of the first. Eastern looked like they were going to run away with a victory against the Flames, much like last year. Steele led the Panthers in points with 5 at the end of the first. The bench depth of Eastern Illinois was on display early, as EIU's bench outscored UIC's 10-0. 

The second quarter was a much different story offensively. UIC outscored the Panthers 19-14 in the quarter as Eastern struggled from the field. The Panther shot 20% from the field and only made one of their seven three-point attempts. Wahl did her best to keep the Panthers in the game with her nine rebounds in the quarter. Morgan Litwiller continued to keep the team in the game offensively, but the team still continued to struggle going into halftime. The Panthers still led 37-35.

Out of the break, the Panthers picked up the urgency on offense. EIU shot 8-12, but only outscored the Flames by 4 points. Washington carried the team offensively, as she shot a perfect 4-4 and ended with 12 points in the quarter. The absence of fans was barely noticeable as the team cheered on from the bench. The team collectively looked in synch in transition. UIC stayed in it however, as they made some improbable shots. The Panthers led 61-55 heading into the final quarter.

The finale continued to be too close for comfort for the Panthers. The Flames stuck with the Panthers, and even during foul trouble, managed to stay in it. The Panthers found their spots and continued to score to keep the Flames at a simmer. Litwiller led the team in the fourth with 7 points. She did it all for the Panthers to close out the game, and after a mental mistake by the Flames, the Panthers ousted UIC.