CHARLESTON, Ill. - The Eastern Illinois Panthers (9-10, 7-7 OVC) defeated the Tennessee State Tigers (0-15, 0-13 OVC), 62-45 on Saturday afternoon. The Panthers grabbed the lead early and never let it go.
Lariah Washington continues to be one of the most consistent players in the OVC as she led the team with 15 points and went 10-10 from the free-throw line.
Kira Arthofer netted 14 points in today's outing, dished five assists, and recorded five steals. The Panthers have a long road trip to face Jacksonville State next Thursday, Feb. 11, at 4:30 p.m.
QUICK STATS
- Abby Wahl recorded a career-high five steals.
- Kira Arthofer recorded a career-high five steals.
- Jordyn Hughes snagged a career-high six rebounds.
- The Panthers as a team recorded the most steals in a game this season with 17.
- The Panthers bench outscored the Tigers 9-6; this is only the third time EIU's bench has outscored an opponent this season.
QUARTER-BY-QUARTER
The Panthers and Tigers went back and forth early on the game. Each team started slowly as both shot under 40% on the quarter and turned the ball over seven times. Hughes was the offensive spark for EIU in the first and was a major factor in the score at the end of the quarter. Washington continues to be a reliable weapon for the Panthers, as she and Hughes each scored 5 points early. The Panthers held a slight, 15-11 lead heading into the second quarter.
The second quarter of play was a bit of a struggle for the Panthers. EIU only could manage 11 points on the quarter but played some stingy defense against the Tigers. The Tigers made adjustments late and took advantage of the six Panther turnovers on the quarter. The Panthers managed to stay with the Tigers behind the offense of Arthofer and Hughes. The Panthers held a 26-23 lead at halftime.
The Panthers came out of the break with a fire in their eyes. The Panthers were led in scoring by Arthofer, who finished the quarter with 8 points and two assists. The team outscored the Tigers 20-8 in the third: the quarter that had given the Panthers the most trouble this season. Arthofer was running and gunning the entire quarter and was immeasurably valuable in the success of the offense. As if it couldn't have gotten any better for the Panthers, with the clock winding down, Wahl was able to beat the buzzer from 3-point range to capture the momentum heading into the final quarter of play.
Eastern Illinois was able to continue its success and hold off the Tigers. Wahl and Washington were able to lead the team with 4 points apiece. The Panthers were able to shoot above 50% from the field, which allowed Coach
Matt Bollant to clear his bench and run his freshman players. The Panthers defeated the Tigers 62-45. The Panthers will face the Jacksonville State Gamecocks on Thursday, Feb. 11, at 4:30 p.m. in Jacksonville, Ala.