Eastern Illinois women's basketball battled Big Ten member Purdue on Thursday night leading after one quarter before eventually falling to the Boilermakers, 82-67, at Mackey Arena.

Eastern Illinois led Purdue after the opening quarter as the Panthers built a 21-17 lead behind solid early offensive play from Meioshe Mason, Lalani Ellis and Ava Stoller.  The Panthers connected for 60 percent from the field in the opening quarter.

EIU's shooting cooled off in the second quarter as the Panthers shot 31 percent from the field in the quarter before ending the game at 43 percent.

Purdue turned to the press in the second quarter forcing a couple of EIU turnovers that led to baskets as the Boilermakers took the lead 24-23 on a basket by Tara Daye with 8:02 to play in the opening half.

Purdue would pull out to a 37-32 lead at the half with Hila Karsh scoring 11 of her 24 points in the opening half.  The Boilermakers forced eight first-half turnovers by EIU leading to eight points.

Stoller led EIU with 13 first half points, she finished with 25 in the game. 

Karsch put the Boilermakers up by double figures with a 3-pointer with 5:12 left in the third quarter and Purdue led by ten after three quarters, 59-49.

The Panthers would cut the lead down to single digits several times in the fourth quarter including down to seven points on free throws by Stoller with 7:40 left to play.

Kiki Smith hit back-to-back 3-pointers and Purdue was able to turn away the Panthers threat.  Smith had 11 points off the bench.

EIU (0-2) had double figure performances from Ellis (16 pts) and Mason (10 pts) while Abbie Boutilier pulled down ten rebounds.

Kendall Puryear was the final Purdue (2-0) double figure scorer with 11.