CHARLESTON, Ill. - Austin Peay State University women's basketball team got off to a slow start against a determined foe and paid the price in a 78-47 loss to Eastern Illinois, Thursday night, at Lantz Arena.

Eastern Illinois (20-9, 15-2 OVC) scored the game's first 15 points and led by 20 points just 10:29 into the first half. Austin Peay would close the period with a 9-4 run but only cut the deficit to 19 points, 41-22, at halftime. The lead grew to 29 points just eight minutes into the second half and the Panthers were not threatened the game's remainder.  

Austin Peay (11-17, 10-7) had few, if any answers for the Eastern Illinois juggernaut as the offense floundered throughout, shooting just 27.3 percent (18-of-66) from the field. The Lady Govs offense was hurt even more by 18 turnovers which led to 23 Panthers points.

The Panthers offense was on target making 43.4 percent (33-of-76) of their field goals. Eastern Illinois added a dominating effort on the glass, posting a 56-44 rebounding edge.

Sophomore Jasmine Rayner led the Lady Govs with a 14-point, 14-rebound double-double with 13 offensive rebounds. Junior Ashley Herring added 13 points but made just 5-of-17 from the field.

Dominique Sims led Eastern Illinois with an 18-point, 13-rebound double-double. Freshman Ta'Kenya Nixon finished with 12 points, nine rebounds and eight assists.

Austin Peay closes out its regular-season slate with a 5:30 p.m., Saturday contest at Southeast Missouri.

- AP -