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Eastern Illinois hit 15 of 16 shots during a key run late in the third quarter and early in the fourth quarter as the Panthers rallied late to pick up a 72-63 win over Western Illinois on Saturday afternoon at Groniger Arena.
 
Lalani Ellis helped spark the run scoring 17 points of the bench to lead the Panthers as they improved to 6-12 overall, 3-2 in the OVC.
 
Taris Thornton scored 13 points in the first half before suffering an injury as her offense kept the Panthers in the game early.  Raegan McCowan scored 10 of her game-high 22 points in the second quarter for the Leathernecks as they led 34-26 at the half.
 
EIU trailed by ten with 4:33 left in the third quarter after Anna Deets sank a 3-pointer to put WIU up 42-32.  It was one of nine 3-pointers on the day for Western Illinois as they finished 9-of-23 from long range.
 
The Panthers had their methodical run start with 4:55 left in the third quarter on a jumper in the paint by Sydney-James Desroches.  Ellis was big in the run as she scored 16 of her 17 points in the second half.
 
EIU took the lead for good with 8:56 left in the game on back-to-back baskets by Charita "Tiny" Lewis.  Lewis had 13 points, one of four Panthers in double figures.
 
EIU shot 50 percent from the field in the third quarter and 75 percent from the field in the fourth quarter to pull away for the win.
 
Macy McGlone had her 13th double-double with 11 points, 12 rebounds.
 
Allie Meadows and Addi Brownfield both chipped in ten points for WIU which fell to 11-5 overall, 2-3 in the OVC.