CHARLESTON, Ill. (Interstat) — In a game defined more by grit than grace, the SIU Edwardsville Cougars outlasted the Eastern Illinois Panthers 59-52 in a double-overtime women’s basketball marathon Thursday afternoon at Lantz Arena.

The contest, a defensive struggle from the opening tip, saw both teams combine to shoot just 29% from the field. SIU Edwardsville improved to 8-3 overall and 1-0 in Ohio Valley Conference play, while Eastern Illinois fell to 1-11 and 0-1.

The most critical sequence of the game unfolded in the final minute of the first overtime. With the score tied at 48 and under 40 seconds remaining, SIU Edwardsville’s Lauren Miller turned the ball over, stolen by Eastern Illinois’ Ava Stoller. Stoller then converted a driving layup with 30 seconds left to give the Panthers their first lead since the second quarter at 50-48.

On the ensuing possession, SIU Edwardsville’s Lauren Miller missed a potential game-tying jumper as time expired in the period, seemingly handing Eastern Illinois the momentum and a narrow edge heading into the final five-minute stanza.

However, the Cougars responded with immediate authority to start the second overtime. Winning the opening tip, they quickly found Macy Silvey for a layup to knot the score at 50. After two Stoller free throws put Eastern Illinois back ahead 52-50, the Panthers’ offense completely seized up. Eastern Illinois failed to score for the remainder of the period, missing its final seven field goal attempts and committing two turnovers over the final 4:16.

SIU Edwardsville capitalized with a decisive 9-0 run to close the game. The surge was fueled by defense and free throws. Syanne Mohamed tied the game with a layup off a feed from Kiyoko Proctor with 1:43 left. Then, with 46 seconds remaining, Proctor drew a foul and calmly sank two free throws to give the Cougars the lead for good at 54-52.

On the next possession, Proctor blocked a potential go-ahead 3-pointer by Stoller. Proctor then secured two more free throws with 34 seconds left, and after another Eastern Illinois miss, she iced the game with two final free throws with 20 seconds remaining.

The game was a stark contrast in styles. SIU Edwardsville relied on perimeter shooting, hitting 7 of 18 from 3-point range, while Eastern Illinois managed just 3 of 19 from deep. The Panthers dominated the glass with 12 offensive rebounds to the Cougars’ 3 but could not overcome their shooting woes, finishing 18 of 68 overall.

Stoller, a guard from St. Petersburg, Florida, was the standout performer in a losing effort, playing all but two minutes and finishing with a game-high 22 points, nine rebounds and three assists for Eastern Illinois. For SIU Edwardsville, balance was key. Proctor, from Alton, Illinois, scored 17 points and had four rebounds, two assists and two blocks, including the crucial late swat. Miller, from Camp Point, Illinois, also scored 17 points. Mohamed provided a vital interior presence with 10 rebounds and three points.

The Cougars’ defense was relentless, forcing 15 turnovers and recording 10 steals and five blocks. Their offensive rating of 77.6, while low, bested Eastern Illinois’ mark of 66.6, encapsulating a afternoon where stops were the true currency.

The win defied the pregame projections, as Eastern Illinois entered with an 86.8% probability to win according to Interstat’s ELO system. The announced attendance was 319.

SIU Edwardsville travels to face Western Illinois on Monday. Eastern Illinois returns to action at home against Lindenwood on Sunday.