Photo Gallery (by Sandy King)

CHAMPAIGN, Ill – The Eastern Illinois Women's Basketball team fell 84-37 against No. 23 Illinois on Thursday night at State Farm Center in Champaign, Ill. The Panthers drop to 12-6 all-time versus the Fighting Illini.

Illinois began the first half strong after a 12-2 run led by Kendall Bostic and Adalia Mckenzie allowed the Fighting Illini to jump out to an early first-quarter lead. Kiyley Flowers dominated the defensive end of the floor in the opening period, recording five steals in the first 10 minutes of action.

Tiny Lewis led the Panther's first-half offensive efforts, knocking down one of three attempts from behind the arc while heading into the break as the Panther's leading scorer with five points. Flowers finished the half with six steals, as the contest entered the break 41-15 in favor of Illinois.

The Fighting Illini remained in control throughout the second half, opening the third quarter on a 20-8 run to further extend their lead. Jasmine Brown-Haggar led the Illinois offense, finishing the night with 23 points on 10 of 15 shooting. U of I shot 55.4 percent from the field and 47.4 percent from three-point range.

Flowers finished the evening with a season-high seven steals, just four shy of an Eastern Illinois school record. Jayda Johnston finished the night as the Panther's leading scorer logging eight points in 16 minutes of play.

The Panthers are back in action next week as they hit the road to face Minnesota on Nov. 20 at 7 pm.