2020EIUEKUW

Eastern Illinois University vs. Eastern Kentucky University (Women)

Paul S. McBrayer Arena

Eastern Kentucky University

Richmond, KY

December 30, 2020

Eastern Illinois University coach Matt Bollant started the following lineup: 5-9 Sr. Taylor Steele, 5-9 So. Lariah Washington, 5-11 So. Morgan Litwiller, 5-8 Jr. Kira Arthofer, and 5-8 Sr. Karle Pace.  (Coach Bollant was without the services of 6-1 Jr. Abby Wahl, out with an injury).  Eastern Kentucky University coach Samantha Williams countered with 5-11 Sr. Bria Bass, 5-10 Jr. Kynnedy Azubike, 6-3 So. Emma Hacker, 5-9 Fr. Alice Recanati, and 5-10 Fr. Kendall Wingler.  (Coach Williams was without the services of 6-2 Sr. Jayla Johnson, out with an injury).

Eastern Kentucky University rallied from a 10 point deficit in the first half to defeat Eastern Illinois University by the score of 80-69.  The Panthers flawlessly executed their dribble-drive offense and turned over the young EKU guards in the first half to take a 43-35 halftime lead.  The only saving grace for the young Colonel squad was their hot 12 of 22 from the field in the first half.  EKU made some adjustments at halftime and fueled by a career night by Emma Hacker and excellent games by 6-1 So. Anysa Jordan and Bria Bass earned the come-from-behind victory.

Eastern Kentucky University shot 53.1% from the field including 10 of 19 from the three point line.  The Colonels connected on 18 of 22 free throws, pulled down 37 rebounds, scored 22 points off 13 Eastern Illinois University turnovers, and held a 27-9 advantage in bench scoring.  Eastern Illinois University shot 41% from the field including seven of 23 from beyond the arc.  The Panthers connected on 12 of 12 free throws, pulled down 22 rebounds, and scored 22 points off 24 EKU turnovers. 

Emma Hacker recorded a career night with 22 points, seven rebounds, three assists, two blocked shots, and two steals.  Hacker was seven of seven from the field including six of six from beyond the arc, and two of two free throws, and only committed one foul.  6-1 So. Anysa Jordan added 18 points and four rebounds in only 18 minutes of playing time.  Bria Bass recorded 14 points and nine rebounds.  Alice Recanati came up big after the intermission and added 10 points, five rebounds, and three assists. 

Karle Pace led Eastern Illinois University with 21 points including three three point baskets, four assists, and three steals.  Taylor Steele added 16 points including two three point baskets, three rebounds, and five assists.  Lariah Washington recorded 12 points and seven rebounds.  Kira Arthofer chipped in with eight points, three rebounds, three assists, and four steals.  5-9 So. Briana Mishler added seven points, two rebounds, and two steals.

Eastern Illinois University,21,22,10,16,69

Eastern Kentucky University,17,18,22,23,80

Eastern Illinois University (69) – Steele 16, Washington 12, Litwiller 3, Arthofer 8, Pace 21, Mishler 7, Hughes 2.

Eastern Kentucky University (80) – Bass 14, Azubike 5, Hacker 22, Recanati 10, Wingler 2, Evans 7, Steele 2, Jordan 18.

A special thanks to the Eastern Kentucky University Stats Crew for providing the comprehensive statistics for tonights game.