COOKEVILLE, Tenn. - Eastern Illinois (9-12, 7-9 OVC) fell against the Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles (12-6, 10-5 OVC), 62-45. The Panthers struggled to make anything against the Golden Eagles, as only one Panther player managed double-digit points.
Abby Wahl led the Panthers with 11 points but shot 31% from the floor. The Golden Eagles were led by Mackenzie Coleman, who finished with 15 points and 11 rebounds on 86% shooting. Eastern Illinois will next face Murray State, Feb. 18, at 4:30 in Murray, Ky.
QUICK STATS
- 45 points is the lowest total score by the Panthers this season
- The Panthers forced 20 Golden Eagle turnovers
- The Panthers shot 12-14 from the foul line
- The Panthers shot 1-16 from 3-point land; the Golden Eagles went 12-27
- Abby Wahl managed double-digit points for the 40th time in her career
QUARTER-BY-QUARTER
The Panthers and Golden Eagles went after each other in the opening quarter of play, as Wahl and Mackenzie Coleman battled in the paint. Wahl found some space as Coleman sagged off and made her pay with a clean 3-point make. Coleman returned fire with a layup in the paint.
Taylor Steele came off the bench and gave the Panthers a 4-point spark to keep the game close.
Parker Stafford also went at Coleman and put up a baby-hook to score her only points of the game. Panthers and Golden Eagles were tied 14-14 heading into the second quarter.
The Panthers were taxed by turnovers and missed shots in the second. EIU finished the quarter with seven turnovers and shot an abysmal 3-12 from the field. The Panthers struggled to get the lid off the basket and were held to only 6 points in the quarter. In comparison, the Golden Eagles managed 16 points, including three 3-pointers, which grew the TTU lead heading into halftime. The Panthers trailed 30-20 heading into the break.
The Panthers battled back in the third quarter, putting up nearly as many points as the first half of play.
Lariah Washington started to find her stroke as she pushed the ball inside for layups and foul shots. Washington also collected two steals in the quarter and hurt the rhythm of Tennessee Tech's offense.
Karle Pace and
Kira Arthofer were dishing the ball well, as Pace finished with six assists on the day, and Arthofer with four. The Golden Eagles attempted fewer shots but could make the 3-pointer, which allowed them to outscore the Panthers 20-17. The Panthers trailed 50-37 heading into the final quarter.
Both teams fizzled out in the final quarter, whether it be from fatigue or frustration. The Panthers' entire team tried to get something moving but were able to put up only 8 points. The Golden Eagles didn't fare much better, as they finished with 12 points. The Panthers shot only 9% in the final quarter as the clock ran out on Eastern Illinois chances for victory. EIU will travel back to Charleston, Ill., and prepare for Murray State on Thursday, Feb. 18, at 4:30 p.m.