Freshman
Lalani Ellis scored 21 points to lead four Eastern Illinois players in double figures but the Panthers could not overcome a big day at the foul line by IUPUI as EIU dropped its season opener on Monday night in Indianapolis, 77-72.
Ellis scored 13 of her points in the opening half as EIU trailed 41-36 at the break.
IUPUI would make 28 trips to the foul line in the game knocking down 16 including two by Katie Davidson with 12 seconds remaining the helped the Jaguars clinch the win.
EIU trailed by ten points at 75-65 after Davidson knocked down back-to-back 3-pointers, the second with 3:07 left in the game. EIU went on a 7-0 run to cut the lead down to 75-72 with 17 seconds left in the game on a jumper by
Macy McGlone as she finished with 14 points.
Charita "Tiny" Lewis added 13 points and
Taris Thornton ten to round out the Panthers double figure scorers.Â
Davidson led all scorers with 32 points as three IUPUI players finished in double figures.
EIU returns to action on Thursday playing at No. 9 Indiana.