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Lalani Ellis sank a jumper and free throw with nine seconds left to lift Eastern Illinois to a 51-49 win over Southern Indiana in a game between two of the top teams in the current Ohio Valley Conference standings.
 
In the end EIU improved to 13-6 overall, 10-0 in the OVC while USI fell to 15-6 overall, 7-3 in the OVC.
 
Both teams lost key players in the contest with Macy McGlone and Kiyley Flowers both fouling out for EIU in the fourth quarter.  Madison Webb fouled out in the fourth for the Screaming Eagles.
 
EIU held the lead a majority of game with its biggest lead of ten points coming in the opening minute of the third quarter on a Flowers fast break lay-up after Ellis opened the quarter with a jumper expanding on the Panthers 24-18 halftime edge.
 
USI took the lead with 33 seconds remaining as Triniti Ralston sank a pair of free throws putting USI up 49-48.  
 
Ellis drove the lane on the next possession hitting the game winner and a free throw.  USI had one shot with two seconds remaining that fell short and time expired on the rebound.
 
McGlone led all scorers with 22 points and 16 rebounds going 9-of-16 from the floor. 
 
Vanessa Shafford led USI with 15 points as the only Screaming Eagles player in double figures.