EIU Claims Women's Exhibition Win

CHARLESTON, Ill. -- Four members of the Eastern Illinois women's basketball team scored double-figures in their exhibition win over Illinois Wesleyan. Grace Lennox finished with a game-leading 22 points to help the Panthers secure an 86-82 win.

The teams traded baskets for most of the first quarter with the Panthers taking a five point advantage into the second period. EIU jumped out to a 15-10 lead over IWU on back-to-back Panther three pointers from Lennox and Karle Pace mid-way through the first. IWU narrowed the EIU's lead as Raven Hughes completed a three point play late in the first quarter. 

The Panthers led 19-14 going into the second quarter. Ashley Schneider scored on a layup and two free throws in the first minute and a half of play to bring IWU within three points of the Panthers, but EIU responded with a 10-2 run sparked by a steal from Lennox earning herself a fast break layup. Lennox would finish the first half with eight points and five assists, while Taylor Steele reached double-figures with 11 points.

EIU capitalized on IWU's third quarter turnovers scoring 10 of their 12 points on turnovers. In the fourth quarter, the Panthers would lead by as much as 12 points following a steal and fast break layup by Pace. By the midway mark, IWU narrowed EIU'slead to five points on back-to-back layups by Kendall Sosa and Hughes. The teams traded baskets to end the game with the Panthers ultimately winning 86-82.

Lennox completed the double-double with 22 points and 11 assists. She also recorded six rebounds and six steals. McRae added 18 points and seven boards, while Pace finished with 17 points, six assists, and three steals. Steele was the final Panther in double-figures with 14 points on 6-of-10 from the field.

The Panthers dominated the paint 42-22 and managed 30 points off IWU's 19 turnovers. The Panthers also held a 19-6 advantage on fast break points, while IWU's bench outscored EIU's 37-7.

Five IWU players finished in double-figures. Kendall Sosa led the team with 18 points off the bench. Schneider finished with a double-double of 12 points and 10 boards.

The Panthers will open the regular season at home on Tuesday Nov. 6 vs. Oakland City next week.