Eagles Fall in Home Opener to the Panthers 75-65

Women's Basketball hosted their home opener for the 2024-25 season last night versus the Panthers of Philander Smith University. The Eagles would fall to the Panthers in a 75-65 defeat. 

The Eagles and Panthers proved to be an even matchup with one another, the two would exchange the lead a total of 15 times throughout the course of the game. 

At the end of the first quarter, the Eagles would possess the lead by one, 16-15. The Eagles shot a 42.9% from the field in the first quarter which helped give them an edge over the Panthers who only shot 27.3%. The Eagles cooled down in the second quarter only making 5-16 from the field and 1-7 from beyond the arc, allowing the Panthers to snag the lead going into the half with a score of 36-35.

Coming out of half the Eagles and Panthers battled back and forth, the lead changing multiple times throughout the course of the quarter, but the Panthers would go on a run at the end to give them a 55-51 lead over the Eagles heading into the last quarter of play. The Eagles would not be able to overcome the point differential and would fall to the Panthers of Philander Smith at the conclusion of the fourth quarter. 

The Panthers capitalized on the 25 turnovers the Eagles produced, which resulted in 25 points for Philander Smith to help the Panthers secure the win. 

The Panthers were led in scoring and rebounds by Senior Dasia Turner who score 33 shooting 11-24 from the field, and snagged 10 rebounds for Philander Smith. 

Returning All-American Kayla Williams led the Eagles in rebounds with 10 boards, and Junior Evelyn Terraza Alcantar scored 10 points for the Eagles and shooting 2-5 from beyond the arc. Senior Quren Santiago also came up with 2 steals for the Eagles

The Eagles will be back in action versus the Lions of Langston University at home tomorrow afternoon in a Halloween double header with the Men. Women's Basketball tipoff is scheduled for 3:30pm.