Dominique Sims was not pleased with the way her team handled the ball last week.

After committing 20 or more turnovers in three consecutive games, Sims said the team made a vow to control the ball better.

It paid off Thursday for the Eastern Illinois red-shirt junior guard and the rest of the Panthers.

The Panthers committed a season-low 12 turnovers and set a team record with 14 consecutive home victories in an easy 78-44 victory against Eastern Kentucky in Lantz Arena.

“In (last Saturday’s loss to Southeast Missouri), we turned the ball over a lot, and we made a vow to each other after the next practice,” Sims said, who tied for game-high with 18 points. “We said we needed to take care of the ball to win, and that’s exactly what we did.”

The Panthers (11-6, 5-1 Ohio Valley Conference) pulled away in the first half, led by Sims as well as the post play of senior forward Rachel Galligan and junior forward Maggie Kloak.

Kloak scored 11 of her 18 points and Galligan 10 of her 16 in the first half as the Panthers built a 23-point halftime advantage.

Panthers head coach Brady Sallee said that it was the team’s defense that helped build the lead as they forced 21 Colonel turnovers, leading to 30 points against the Colonels (6-9, 3-4).

“I thought we did a good job of letting our defense lead to easy buckets,” Sallee said. “And when you look at turnovers and at fast break points, I think you see the reason (of why) we scored in the 70s.”

The Panthers were able to shut down the Ohio Valley Conference’s top freshman scorer in guard Kayla Drake.

Drake entered Thursday averaging 16.7 points per game and was held to only 12, including zero in the second half.

The Panthers continue OVC play on Saturday when they welcome Morehead State at 3 p.m. in Lantz Arena.

Collin Whitchurch can be reached at 581-7944 or at [email protected].

Women’s Basketball League Scores on Thursday Night

Eastern Illinois 78, Eastern Kentucky 44

Tennessee Tech 63, Tennessee Martin 56

Murray State 93, Jacksonville State 86

Morehead State 74, Southeast Missouri 68

Women’s Basketball Standings

E. Illinois 5-1(OVC) 11-6(OVERALL)

Murray State 5-1(OVC) 10-6(OVERALL)

Morehead State 5-2(OVC) 11-8(OVERALL)

Austin Peay 4-2(OVC) 8-9(OVERALL)

Tennessee State 4-2(OVC) 8-9(OVERALL)

SE Missouri 3-3(OVC) 7-9(OVERALL)

E. Kentucky 3-4(OVC) 6-9(OVERALL)

Tennessee Tech 2-4(OVC) 4-13(OVERALL)

Jacksonville State 0-6(OVC) 3-13(OVERALL)

Tennessee Martin 0-6(OVC) 2-14(OVERALL)

Women’s Preview Box

Game 18: Eastern vs. Morehead State

When: 3 p.m. on Saturday

Where: Charleston

Location: Lantz Arena (5,300)

Series History: Morehead State leads 13-10.

Last Meeting: Eastern won 68-52 last season in Charleston.

Eastern Illinois (11-6, 5-1 OVC)

Head Coach: Brady Sallee (60-74 in fifth season)

Probable Starters

Pos. /Name /Yr.

F R. Galligan Sr.

F L. Kluempers Sr.

G D. Sims R-Jr.

G E. Canale Sr.

G M. Edwards Sr.

Key Reserves

Pos. /Name /Yr.

F M. Kloak Jr.

G A. Thomas Jr.

Morehead State (11-8, 5-2)

Head Coach: Mike Bradbury (22-27 in second season)

Probable Starters

Pos. /Name /Yr.

F B. Pittman Jr.

F D. Watson Jr.

G C. Bozeman So.

G T. Hamilton Jr.

G C. Lumpkin Fr.

Key Reserves

Pos. /Name /Yr.

G A. Martin Fr.

G T. Stephens Jr.