Thrilling Finish: EIU Edges Out Trojans in Nail-Biting 59-56 Victory

The Little Rock women’s basketball squad erased a double-digit gap during the third quarter but ultimately fell short in a 59-56 defeat to Eastern Illinois at the Jack Stephens Center on Saturday afternoon.

In the second half, the Trojans never led but managed to tie the game on two occasions before the Panthers (5-6, 2-0) seized the advantage for good with 47 seconds remaining.

Jordan Holman was the standout for the Trojans (3-8, 1-1), contributing 18 points. She also recorded 3 assists and captured 4 steals. Faith Lee added 12 points and 5 rebounds, while Jayla Brooks contributed 8 points, 9 rebounds, and 3 assists.

Macy McGlone, a standout forward for EIU, scored 19 points and grabbed 12 rebounds.

Lalani Ellis’ three-pointer with 4:24 left in the third quarter allowed EIU to establish a significant 41-29 lead. The Trojans responded emphatically with a 10-3 surge, narrowing the deficit to 44-39 on a layup from Holman with less than a minute to go, thus maintaining a five-point EIU advantage entering the final period.

A three-pointer from Brooks right at the start of the fourth quarter reduced the gap to two. The Panthers countered with back-to-back baskets extending the lead to six, yet Alaina Payne’s shot brought it to 48-44 with 8:38 remaining.

The margin again increased to six, but then Holman scored and completed a free throw on successive plays, bringing the score to 50-49 with 5:31 on the clock.

EIU aimed to keep the Trojans at a distance and led by four again, but Brooks’ free throws with 2:37 left tied the contest. EIU briefly regained the lead moments later, and at this juncture, Sug Williams tied it at 56 with a pair of free throws at 1:56.

Two free throws by local player Alex Rouse, a graduate of Joe T. Robinson, gave EIU an insurmountable lead with 47 seconds remaining.

Maglone managed to convert 1 of 2 free throws with less than a second on the clock, making it 59-56. The Trojans immediately took a timeout to design an inbounds play at midcourt. However, Holman’s three-point attempt at the buzzer was denied.

Little Rock is taking a break for the holidays and will return to action on Jan. 2 against Tennessee-Martin, with a match against Tennessee State scheduled for Jan. 4.