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CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. - Eastern Illinois (10-13, 8-10 OVC) managed a major  62-59 win over Austin Peay (11-8, 9-6 OVC). The Panthers were able to get out to a hot start allowing themselves to hold the lead for the majority of the game. The Panthers were led in scoring by Abby Wahl, who finished with 18 points and nine rebounds. Kira Arthofer came up huge late for the Panthers defensively and disrupted the Governors defense with her quick bursts of speed leading to layups. Lariah Washington and Karle Pace also had great all-around games for the Panthers and were key contributors to the victory. The Panthers will celebrate today and get back to work tomorrow as they host one of the OVC's top teams in Southeast Missouri on Thursday, Feb. 25, at 4:30 p.m. 

QUICK STATS

QUARTER-BY-QUARTER
Eastern Illinois was no doubt aware of the importance of starting strong in this game. The starting five for the Panthers played with a purpose as they got off to a strong start. Eastern Illinois held the Governors to only one field goal made up to the midway point of the quarter, going nearly four minutes without scoring. Washington led the way for the Panthers, using her length to grab lob passes for easy layups. She ended the quarter with 7 points in the quarter. On the defensive end, the Panthers made life difficult for the Governors, who shot only 23% from the field in the first quarter. In comparison, Eastern Illinois shot 64% in the quarter. The Panthers led 18-12 heading into the second quarter.

The Panthers began to pull away in the quarter as they continued to find the bottom of the net and pushed the Governors to their limits. Austin Peay committed eight turnovers in the quarter. The Panthers used this momentum to start a 9-0 run and grow their lead heading into halftime. The Panthers' defense paved the way for the easy transition offense. The Panthers led 33-20 heading into the half.

Both teams were slow to start out of the halftime break. The Governors began to make a run back after two 3-pointers in a row from Maggie Knowles. Pace fought the keep the Panthers' lead intact, as she managed to get her point total in double-digits. Knowles continued her hot-streak, nailing another 3-pointer to cut into the deficit. Wahl responded with a 3-pointer of her own from a crisp Pace pass. The Panthers went on a 7-0 run to end the third quarter to lead Austin Peay 51-39 heading into the final quarter.

Austin Peay responded out of the break with a quick 7 points the pulled the Governors within 5 points. The momentum continued to swing in favor of Austin Peay. The Governors continued to chip away at the lead while the Panthers struggled to regain the momentum. The Governors had gone on a 13-0 lead as APSU took the lead for the first time in the game. Arthofer ran down the court and made a quick layup to regain the Panther lead. Taylor Steele followed suit with a clutch layup of her own to give the Panthers a 3 point lead. The Governors came down the court and tried for a pass inside that was deflected by Parker Stafford. Pace drove down the court off the steal and was fouled, putting her at the free-throw line. She sank them both and recaptured the Panthers' momentum. The Panthers held a 3 point lead with a few seconds left. The Governors pushed the ball up the court to try and hit a 3-pointer, but the Panthers' sturdy defense allowed Austin Peay no room to get off a clear shot. The Panthers won 62-59.