Box Score (PDF)

RICHMOND, Ky. – The Eastern Kentucky University women's basketball team ran into a hot-shooting Eastern Illinois team on Thursday night, falling at McBrayer Arena, 68-42.  
 
The Colonels (6-8, 1-3 OVC) shot just 26 percent (17-of-64) from the field while the visiting Panthers (7-11, 4-1 OVC) made 26 of their 51 shots for 51 percent.
 
Junior Shameekia Murray was a bright spot for the Colonels, scoring 18 points on 8-of-13 shooting from the field. Her minutes were limited, however, due to picking up two fouls early in the first half.
 
Eastern Illinois had three players in double figures, led by forward Arnisha Thomas' 21 points.  Guard Bh'rea Griffin pitched in with 19.
 
The Panthers led 27-18 at the half, but built a lead as much as 28. 
 
EKU kept it close for the majority of the first half, but never got closer than 18 after EIU built a 27-point lead midway through the second half.
 
EKU grabbed 21 offensive rebounds but had just seven second-chance points.  The Eastern Illinois bench outscored the EKU bench 17-6 and had 30 points off of 20 Colonel turnovers.
 
The Colonels will play again at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday in McBrayer Arena against OVC foe SIUE.