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The Eastern Illinois women's basketball team (0-4, OVC 0-0) fell 81-52 to the University of Minnesota (6-0, Big Ten 0-0) on Wednesday evening at Williams Arena in Minneapolis, Minn. The Panthers move to 1-3 in the all-time series match-up versus the Gophers.

Minnesota began the opening quarter with pace, jumping out to a 12-4 lead forcing Eastern Illinois to burn an early timeout. EIU responded quickly, manufacturing a 14-5 run at the end of the quarter to take an 18-17 lead heading into the first break. Kiyley Flowers made her presence felt, logging four points, three rebounds, and three assists in 10 minutes of action.

The Gophers answered quickly in the second quarter, shooting 65 percent from the field throughout a 29-6 run that pushed the Minnesota lead to 46-24 heading into halftime. Macy Mcglone led the Panther's offense in the first half, recording ten points and five rebounds.

The second half remained in favor of Minnesota, outscoring the Panthers 22-16 in the third quarter while knocking down four of six from behind the arc. The Gophers remained in control for the remainder of the game as they were able to take home the victory 81-52.

Minnesota finished the evening with three scorers in double digits. Grace Crocholski recorded 16 points, shooting 60 percent from the field while connecting on four of seven from distance. Annika Stewart and Tori McKinney also finished with 14 points apiece.

Eastern Illinois shot 40 percent from the field as Alex Rouse and Lyric Johnson each recorded two steals to lead the defensive charge for the Panthers. Tiny Lewis also finished the evening with 12 points, connecting on fifty percent of her shots. McGlone finished the evening as the contest's leading scorer, recording 19 points and five rebounds in 28 minutes. 

EIU is back in action on Saturday, Nov. 23 at 4 pm as they are set to take on Loyola Chicago for the 2024 home opener at Groniger Arena.