BOX SCORE
MOREHEAD, Ky. -- The Eagles put together a scrappy effort after a slow start Thursday against Eastern Illinois, but couldn't overcome the Panthers, falling 68-56.
Morehead State took advantage of mistakes from EIU for much of the middle portion of the game, scoring 19 points off of turnovers and connecting on 15 second chance points, but despite winning the middle quarters of the game, never managed to take the lead against the Panthers.
Jada Claude tied her career high in her fifth 20+ point scoring performance of the season, scoring 24 points and adding nine rebounds.
Alana Denson joined Claude in double figures, putting in 11 points.
A hot shooting start for Eastern Illinois helped the Panthers race out to a 21-11 lead after the first quarter, but the Eagles would fight back, launching a 9-0 to chip away at the lead and slice it down to 24-20, and ultimately outscored EIU in the quarter to go into halftime only down seven.
Morehead State continued to tighten the game into the second half, holding the Panthers under 30 percent from the field in the third quarter and getting to within two points after a jumper from
Julan McDonald, but the Panthers responded with a 10-0 run into the fourth quarter to build back their double digit lead. A last gasp from the Eagles couldn't get Morehead State closer than five as the Panthers held on for the win.
Next up, the Eagles head to Edwardsville, Illinois for their season finale, when they take on SIUE on Saturday. Tip-off is scheduled for 2:00 PM ET.
