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EASTERN ILLINOIS (5-7, 3-4 OVC) vs. EASTERN KENTUCKY (6-5, 5-2 OVC)
Saturday, Jan. 16 • 1:00 p.m. 
Charleston, Ill. • First-Mid Court at Lantz Arena

GAME NOTES: Read
RADIO: Hit Mix 88.9 FM
ESPN +: Watch
LIVE STATS: Follow
SERIES RECORD: EKU leads all-time series: 21-20
LAST MEETING: Dec. 30, 2020: EKU won 80-69

EIU VS EKU ROUND TWO
Eastern Illinois enters Saturday's matchup coming off a 65-50 win against Morehead State. The Panthers had one of their best defensive games of the season, as they held the Eagles to 32% from the field, which is the lowest any team has shot against EIU this season. Eastern Kentucky is coming off of a 79-63 win against SIUE. In the last outing between these two teams, the Colonels won 80-69 on their home court. Karle Pace scored a season-high 21 points; Taylor Steele also scored a season-high 16 in the game. The Panthers were without leading scorer Abby Wahl in the team's first matchup; the junior post could be a difference-maker in the second game.

PLAYER TO WATCH
Abby Wahl could be a difference-maker for EIU. She was notably absent for the first game against the Colonels, and as the team's leading scorer, she is the potential key to victory. EKU scored only 18 points in the paint in the last matchup against EIU, so the Colonels are more shooter oriented. This mentality should allow the Panthers to force the issue inside with Wahl, wear the Colonels down on the defensive end, and leave them struggling on offense.

SCOUTING THE COLONELS
The Colonels have been led in conference play by the Italian assassin Alice Recanati. The freshman guard is averaging 12 points-per-game and shooting 57% from the field. Along with points, she is leading the team in assists, steals, and rebounds. Eastern Kentucky is one of the youngest teams in the division one basketball, but despite their age, they are tied for the most wins in the OVC conference with five. The Panthers will use their experience advantage over EKU and try to send the Colonels back to Kentucky with a loss.

UP NEXT
The Panthers will travel to Belmont to face the Bruins, Thursday, Jan. 21, at 4 p.m.