After a strong first quarter, the Panthers fell on the road at No. 22 Michigan State. EIU falls to 0-4, while the Spartans improve to 5-0. 

The Panthers opened the first quarter with lights-out shooting from the field and beyond the arc. Eastern Illinois shot 72.7% from the field and 75% from three to begin the night. Ella Lune and Ava Stoller directed the offense with 4 points apiece heading into the break. Heading into the second quarter, the Panthers went cold, struggling from the three-point line. EIU scored their first bucket at the 6:10 mark after a tough finish by Nyah Hardy. Eastern Illinois tried to claw their way back into the game before halftime, but 7 turnovers kept the Spartans out in front. After the long halftime break, they were unable to find their footing, falling behind 72-38 after the third quarter. Spartans' Grace VanSlooten and Emma Shumate fueled the offense, leading the team with double-figure scoring. The fourth quarter was no different, as the Panthers struggled from the field but used the remaining minutes for a momentum boost heading into Saturday, including Liana Buckhalton, who scored her first collegiate basket cashing in from the three-point line. 

Bench Points

The Panthers bench was a bright spot throughout the game. Nyah Hardy led the team with 16 points and 2 assists off the bench. In total, EIU produced 37 bench points. 

By The Numbers: Nyah Hardy had a career high off the bench with 16 points. Abbie Boutilier led the way with 7 rebounds, 8 points, and 2 blocks. Ella Lune and Adriana Arroyo neared double-digit scoring with 7 and 8 points apiece. As a team, the Panthers shot 40% from the field and 29% from three. EIU had 27 rebounds, 12 assists, and 4 blocks.

EIU will finish their Michigan road trip against Central Michigan on Saturday at noon.