Box Score |
Photo Gallery (by Sandy King)
CHARLESTON, Ill. – Eastern Illinois women's basketball improved to 5-0 in Ohio Valley Conference play with an 88-79 win over SIUE on Thursday night at First Mid Court at Lantz Arena. It marked the second best OVC start in program history for the Panthers.
EIU held just a two point lead at the half as Ajulu Thatha kept the Cougars in contention nearly posting a double-double in the first half with 21 points and nine rebounds. Thatha finished with 32 points and 12 boards for SIUE as they trailed 43-41 at the half.
The Panthers shot 53 percent from the field in the third quarter as they gave themselves some breathing room. EIU had four players score in double figures in the win.
Taris Thornton scored 16 in her first EIU start.
Lariah Washington led EIU with 21 points.
Macy McGlone had 18 and
Miah Monahan 13 for the Panthers who improved 13-3 on the year.
SIUE shot 59 percent in the fourth quarter as they cut the margin down to six points three different times. Sofie Lowis had 17 points for SIUE as they had four players in double figures.
SIUE fell to 3-13 overall, 2-3 in the OVC.