CHARLESTON, Ill. - The IU Indianapolis women's basketball team struggled offensively on Wednesday afternoon, falling to the Eastern Illinois Panthers, 66-49. A decisive 16-2 run to open the third quarter helped the Panthers seize control, extending the Jags' early-season woes.
 
The first quarter was tightly contested with Eastern Illinois edging out the Jags 14-11. However, IU Indy's struggles were evident, as they committed six turnovers in the opening period. The second quarter saw both teams falter offensively, but the Panthers managed to take a slim 22-17 lead into halftime, thanks to a defensive effort that forced eight more turnovers from the Jags.
 
Coming out of the break, Eastern Illinois quickly took control. They went on a 16-2 run that left IU Indy in a deep hole. Despite cutting their turnover count to just three in the final period, the Jags couldn't mount a serious comeback. Eastern Illinois sealed the victory at 66-49.
 
The Jags shot 40 percent from the field but struggled to protect the ball, with Eastern Illinois converting 24 turnovers into 22 points. Jada Patton led IU Indy, scoring a season-high 17 points on 7-of-11 shooting. Shania Nichols-Vannett contributed six rebounds but the team couldn't overcome their offensive inconsistency.
 
With the loss, IU Indy drops to 1-6 on the season. The Jags will look to rebound as they begin Horizon League play on Wednesday, December 4, with a road trip to Green Bay.