Eastern Illinois took its only lead of the game in the opening minute of the second half on a basket by Tiny Lewis.  SIUE countered with a 12-0 run as the Cougars beat EIU 70-43 in the final game of the regular season Saturday afternoon at First Community Arena.

EIU trailed 21-8 after the first quarter  as SIUE opened the game on a 14-4  run.  

The Panthers worked their way back into the game with a 21-9 advantage in the second quarter to trail 30-29 at the half.

Meioshe Mason powered a 12-0 run in the middle portion of the second quarter that brought the Panthers back within striking distance.  Mason finished with 14 points.

Lewis scored on EIU's opening possession of the second half to give EIU a 31-30 lead.  SIUE answered on the next trip down the floor on a basket by Syanne Mohamed, part of her eight point game for the Cougars.

SIUE outscored the Panthers 21-4 in the third quarter to take control of the game and improve to 15-15 on the season, 8-12 in the OVC.   Kiyoko Proctor led the Cougars with 19 points.

EIU ends the 2025-26 season at 4-27 overall, 3-17 in the OVC.  Ava Stoller joined Mason in double figures for the Panthers with 11 points.