CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (Interstat) — In a game defined by a dramatic and decisive final minute, the Southeast Missouri State Redhawks erased a late deficit to edge the Eastern Illinois Panthers 70-68 in an Ohio Valley Conference women’s basketball thriller on Thursday night at the Show Me Center.

The contest, played before an announced crowd of 515, was a tale of contrasting runs and a stunning reversal of fortune in the closing seconds. Eastern Illinois, which led for over 38 minutes and by as many as 13 points in the third quarter, appeared poised to snap a lengthy skid before Southeast Missouri State mounted its final push.

The Panthers, fueled by a prolific third-quarter offensive explosion, built a commanding lead. After taking a 35-27 advantage into halftime, Eastern Illinois erupted for 26 points in the third period. A key sequence saw Clara Glad connect on a 3-pointer, followed by a Sydney-James Desroches 3-pointer and a Meioshe Mason layup in quick succession, pushing the Panther lead to 13. The visitors shot a blistering 9 of 15 from the floor in the quarter, including 5 of 8 from beyond the arc, and entered the final frame leading 61-49.

The fourth quarter, however, belonged entirely to the Redhawks and their relentless attack in the paint. Southeast Missouri State opened the period on a 15-2 run, completely flipping the script. The Redhawks clamped down defensively, holding Eastern Illinois to just two points over the first seven and a half minutes of the quarter. Carmen Taylor was instrumental during the surge, scoring nine of her 18 points in the final period, including a driving layup that gave Southeast Missouri State its first lead since the opening minutes at 64-63 with 4:43 remaining.

Eastern Illinois, reeling from the onslaught, managed to tie the game twice in the final two minutes. Desroches converted a tough layup and a free throw to knot the score at 67-67 with 2:10 to play. After a defensive stop, the Panthers had a chance to reclaim the lead but came up empty.

The most critical sequence unfolded in the final 29 seconds with the score still tied. Eastern Illinois’ Meioshe Mason was called for a foul on Ainaya Williams in the post. Williams sank the first free throw to give the Redhawks a 68-67 lead. She missed the second attempt, but in the scramble for the rebound, the ball was knocked out of bounds off a Panther player, granting Southeast Missouri State a fresh possession.

On the ensuing inbounds play, Williams received the ball near the basket and scored another layup, extending the lead to 70-67 with just 5.5 seconds left. Eastern Illinois’ last-gasp attempt, a 3-pointer from Tiny Lewis, missed as time expired, sealing the Redhawk victory.

Statistically, the game was a study in divergent strengths. Eastern Illinois relied heavily on the 3-point shot, making 13 of 28 attempts from long range. Desroches led all scorers with 20 points, while Glad added 17. The Panthers’ perimeter shooting was the engine of their large lead.

Southeast Missouri State, conversely, dominated the interior, outscoring Eastern Illinois 38-18 in the paint and attempting 31 more free throws, making 14 of 15. The Redhawks also capitalized on Panther mistakes, scoring 28 points off 18 Eastern Illinois turnovers. Taylor’s 18 points paced Southeast Missouri State, with Da’Kariya Jackson adding 12 and Williams contributing 13 points and key late-game plays.

The loss extends a difficult season for Eastern Illinois, which falls to 1-13 overall and 0-1 in OVC play. The Panthers have now lost nine consecutive games. Southeast Missouri State improves to 5-7 overall and starts conference play at 1-0.

Both teams return to action Saturday. Eastern Illinois travels to face Tennessee-Martin, while Southeast Missouri State hosts Western Illinois.