NASHVILLE, TENN -- Eastern Illinois women's basketball suffered their third straight defeat, losing 46-77 on the road to the Belmont Bruins. With the loss, the Panthers fall to 13-13 overall and 8-7 in Ohio Valley Conference play.
The Panthers once again got out to a fast start, crashing the glass and playing effective offense en route to an early 12-6 lead. Belmont, however, would close the first quarter with a 9-2 run to take a 15-14 lead. A
Kira Arthofer layup followed by two
Lariah Washington free throws gave EIU an 18-15 lead to get the scoring going in the 2nd period, but the Bruins would then seize control with a 19-4 run. An
Abby Wahl layup at the buzzer brought the Panthers back to within 10 at halftime, but EIU could not get any closer, as Belmont outscored the Panthers 43-22 in the second half to clinch the win.
Washington scored 11 points for her 23rd double-digit scoring output in 26 games this season. She also contributed with eight rebounds.Â
Taris Thornton got into the game in the second half and scored 11 points on 4-of-7 shooting and grabbed four rebounds. Arthofer scored eight points and dished out three assists.Â
Julia Bengtson scored five points and recorded six rebounds.Â
Abby Wahl scored four points and grabbed six rebounds, including five offensive rebounds.Â
Jordyn Hughes tied her season high with seven rebounds.
Up next, the Panthers will conclude their music city road trip with a matchup against the Tennessee State Lady Tigers on Saturday, February 19. Tipoff is scheduled for noon CT.