Panthers Edge Little Rock in Thrilling 59-56 Showdown!

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LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Eastern Illinois managed to secure a 59-56 victory on Saturday afternoon at the Stephens Center, advancing to 2-0 in the Ohio Valley Conference.

EIU’s record improves to 5-6 overall, with a 2-0 standing in the OVC.  Little Rock’s record now stands at 3-8 overall, 1-1 in the OVC.

EIU prevented Little Rock from achieving a field goal in the last 5:31 of the match, which included a shot that missed the rim with four seconds left that would have tied the game at 58-58.

Alex Rouse provided the Panthers with a 58-56 advantage with 48 seconds remaining, finishing the game with eight points.  Macy McGlone converted one of two from the charity stripe for the final points.

McGlone set a new EIU career record for double-doubles with 35 midway through the third quarter, concluding the game with 19 points and 16 rebounds.

Taking advantage of numerous Little Rock field goal difficulties throughout the contest, EIU established a 25-23 lead at halftime and extended it to a 12-point lead in the third quarter after a 3-pointer by Lalani Ellis with 4:24 remaining.

Little Rock narrowed the margin to five points by the end of the third quarter through consecutive scores from Faith Lee.  Lee posted 12 points, being one of two Trojans to reach double digits.

Jayla Brooks registered the Trojans’ only 3-pointer of the contest to kick off the fourth quarter, reducing the lead to 44-42.  She tied the game at 54-54 with a pair of free throws, finishing with eight points.

During the final two minutes, Sydney-James Desroches provided EIU a 56-54 lead via free throws, while Sug Williams leveled the game at 56-56 with two successful free throws, setting the scene for the closing minute of action.

EIU recorded 5-of-13 shooting from beyond the arc, with a couple of 3’s logged by Tiny Lewis.  EIU concluded the matchup with 14-of-19 from the charity stripe, whereas Little Rock managed only 17-of-31 from the line.

Kiyley Flowers notched nine points for the Panthers, followed closely by eight points each from Rouse and Ellis.  Desroches contributed seven points.

Holman topped Little Rock’s scoring with 18 points while Brooks achieved nine rebounds in addition to her eight points.