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Box Score | Photo Gallery by Sandy King

CHARLESTON, Ill. - Eastern Illinois picked up right where they left off on Thursday night against Eastern Kentucky. The Panthers commanded the Colonels, as they mauled EKU into 25 turnovers in the game. Lariah Washington put up 17 points, five rebounds, three assists and two steals in the blowout. Karle Pace went a perfect 5-for-5, including 3 three pointers, etching out 16 points to go along with her five steals. The Panthers record moves up to 13-9 (7-4 OVC), the best record for the Panthers since the 2012-13 season. The Panthers sweep the season series against the Colonels, as EKU continues to struggle while their record drops to 8-14 (2-9 OVC).

The Panthers regular starters got a break in the second half of the game, as the entire bench cleared to play near the end of the third quarter. Claudia Stan came in and made an immediate impact on defense with her length. She netted three blocked shots in the game and put up 9 points. Camino Tellez came in and scored 4 points, tying her season-high, and disrupted the offense with two steals. 

Paige Schumann had one of the best overall games of her young career thus far. Schumann tied her career-high in points with 7, and broke her career-high in not only rebounds, but also assists. She ended the game with three boards and three assists to cap off her great night. Jennifer Nehls was, and continues to be, a big time player when her number is called. Nehls put up 9 points and six assists tonight, along with making seven of eight free throws to seal off the Colonels from having a chance.

The Panthers as a team had 17 steals on the day, which is the second most by the team this season. Only in the UIC game did the Panthers force more turnovers (19). The team also shot an astounding 53% from the field in the victory, and shot 33% from beyond the arc. Matt Bollant and company have to be happy with this victory, as it is the biggest margin of victory against a conference team under Bollant's tenure. 

The Panthers will look to carry on this momentum, but not get overly confident, in Saturday's game against Morehead State. The Panthers have already defeated Morehead State 57-51 in their last outing, and will be ready to take on the Eagles.