ST. LOUIS – The Billikens used a strong fourth-quarter performance to pick up a 64-58 win over Eastern Illinois on Wednesday afternoon inside Chaifetz Arena.
Saint Louis (2-1) outscored the Panthers 22-16 in the final quarter, led by
Tyonna Bailey's 20 points and
D'Myjah Bolds' 18-point, 12-rebound double-double.
Q1 | SLU 14, EIU 17
The Billikens opened the game with a 5-2 lead before Bolds recorded back-to-back blocks and knocked down a three-pointer on the other end to give SLU an 8-4 advantage. The teams traded baskets throughout the remainder of the quarter before Eastern Illinois scored the final four points to take a 17-14 lead into the second.
Q2 | SLU 33, EIU 28
Saint Louis opened the second quarter on a 5-0 run to regain the lead before extending its advantage to 24-19 on a three-pointer from Bolds. The Billikens continued to build on their lead, using a 10-2 run to take a 29-21 advantage with just over three minutes remaining. Eastern Illinois was able to cut the deficit to three before SLU closed the half with a pair of free throws from
Peyton Olufson to take a 33-28 lead into the break. The Billikens forced seven Panther turnovers in the quarter while holding EIU to 11 points.
Q3 | SLU 42, EIU 42
Eastern Illinois opened the second half on an 8-2 run to take a 36-35 lead midway through the quarter. The Panthers continued to build momentum, taking a 40-37 advantage before
Gabby Spink knocked down a three-pointer to even the score at 40. Saint Louis was held to nine points in the quarter and out rebounded 16-7 as the teams entered the final 10 minutes tied at 42.
Q4 | SLU 64, EIU 58
The teams continued to battle back and forth early in the fourth before
Jasaiyah Wallace knocked down shots on back-to-back possessions to give the Billikens a 51-46 advantage. Saint Louis held the Panthers without a field goal for nearly seven minutes, extending its lead to 57-50 on a three-pointer from
Jahda Denis with 2:20 remaining. Eastern Illinois cut the deficit to four in the final 30 seconds, but the Billikens converted four free throws down the stretch to secure the 64-58 victory.
NOTABLES
- Tyonna Bailey finished with a game-high 20 points, marking her third consecutive game with 20 or more points for the first time in her career. She added eight rebounds and three steals.
- D'Myjah Bolds recorded the second double-double of her career with a career-high 18 points and 12 rebounds. She also registered a career-high six blocks.
- Jameela James scored a career-high seven points while adding four rebounds and two blocks.
- Jasaiyah Wallace finished with four points, all coming in the fourth quarter.
- Jahda Denis dished out a team-high four assists.
- The Billikens recorded 10 blocks as a team, with Bolds accounting for six.
- Saint Louis committed just 10 turnovers while forcing 17 from Eastern Illinois.
- The Billikens outscored the Panthers 18-6 in bench points and 11-3 in fast-break points.
UP NEXT
The Billikens continue their home stand on Saturday at 1 p.m. when they face Illinois State.
