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Eastern Illinois women's basketball used a crucial 11-1 run early in the third quarter as the Panthers took a lead they would never relinquish to pick up a 75-62 win over Valparaiso to post their sixth straight home opening win on Sunday afternoon.
 
After back-to-back losses on the road to open the year, EIU fell behind early behind some good shooting by the Beacons as they shot 50 percent from the field and 50 percent from 3-point range in the opening half.
 
Valpo knocked down seven first half 3-pointers to lead 34-31 at the half. They would cool off in the third quarter hitting just 2-of-8 from long range and hit just one from 3-point land in the fourth quarter.
 
Trailing 38-35 with 8:31 left in the third quarter, EIU started its run on a basket by Macy McGlone adding a three-point play by Miah Monahan along with a pair of 3-pointers by Ellie Buzzelle to take the lead.
 
Valparaiso battled back to tie the game at 51-51 with 7:24 remaining on a pair of free throws by Jill Harris.  Harris finished with 12 points, one of three Valpo players in double figures.
 
EIU responded with a 10-0 run to put the game out of reach with big baskets by McGlone and freshman Lalani Ellis.  McGlone finished with 20 while Ellis posted her second 20-plus point game this season leading all players with 22 points.
 
Buzzelle joined the Panthers double figure scorers with ten points.
 
McGlone and Ellis also tied for the team lead in rebounds with both finishing with eight as EIU won the battle on the glass by a 35-32 margin.
 
EIU is now 1-2 on the season.  Leah Earnest had 13 points to lead the Beacons who were playing their season opener.