CHARLESTON, Ill. – Little Rock gave up the lead early in the first half and never led again Thursday night in a 71-60 loss at Eastern Illinois at Groniger Arena.
The Trojans (18-12, 12-7) led 2-1 with 18:27 to play in the first half and were playing catch-up the rest of the way. The score was tied 3-3 at the 16:38 mark, and the Panthers (11-19, 7-12) took the lead for good when Kooper Jacobi dunked with 14:38 to play to make it 5-3.
Both teams struggled to score in the first half, but EIU got going and led by as many as 10 before taking a 36-27 halftime lead.
The lead ballooned to 12 in the second half, but Little Rock was able to cut the lead to six, 51-45, with 9:23 to play in the game on a
Jordan Jefferson hoop, but EIU again seized control leading by 12 again moments later.
The good news for the Trojans is Southern Illinois-Edwardsville dropped a home loss to Southeast Missouri Thursday night. That means, SEMO is the Ohio Valley Conference regular-season champion, and the Trojans and Cougars are still tied for second. The two teams face off in in Edwardsville, Ill., on Saturday afternoon with the winner taking second place and the double bye in the OVC Tournament next week. With a loss, Little Rock could fall as far as fourth place with TSU, who beat Little Rock twice, taking third.
Jefferson led Little Rock Thursday night with 15 points, 3 steals and 2 assists.
Mwani Wilkinson chipped 13 points, 8 rebounds and 3 blocks.
Johnathan Lawson contributed 12 points, 3 assists and 2 steals.
EIU star guard Nakyel Shelton led EIU with 25 points followed by Artese Stapleton with 23.
