CHARLESTON, Ill – Eastern Illinois shot 62 percent in the opening half as the Panthers opened a 48-29 halftime lead over Oakland City in what finished as a 4-0 start to the season for the EIU women's basketball team for the first time since 2011-12. EIU won 79-60 in the Kid's Day Game played in front of 1,525 area elementary school students at First Mid Court at Lantz Arena.
Lariah Washington paced the Panthers offense with 18 points while
Julia Bengtson scored 13 off the bench as all EIU players in uniform saw playing time in the contest.
EIU jumped out to a 30-17 lead in the first quarter despite Oakland City shooting 83 percent from the floor. The Panthers limited OCU to just six shots in the quarter as they would forced seven turnovers in the quarter. Bengston scored nine of her points in the quarter going 3-of-4 from 3-point range.
The Panthers defense would force 30 Oakland City turnovers in the game as EIU finished with 18 steals.
Kira Arthofer had five steals to go with her eight points and eight assists.
Abby Wahl had nine points and nine rebounds, just missing a double-double.
Emilee Hope finished with 16 points to lead Oakland City going 4-of-7 from 3-point range. The Mighty Oaks finished the game shooting 52.5 percent connecting on 50 percent or better in three of the four quarters.
EIU travels to play in the Hawaii Tournament over Thanksgiving Break with games against host Hawaii, Gonzaga and Utah set for Friday-through Sunday.
Oakland City played Monday's game as an exhibition and remains 2-3 on the season.