EUREKA, Ill. - Mississippi University for Women found itself playing catch up virtually the entire game in a, 79-65, St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SLIAC) loss at Eureka College. The Owls fell to 7-14 (3-11 SLIAC), while the Red Devils improved to 7-14 (5-9 SLIAC).
 
The W tallied the first basket of the day, but EC took the lead after that and built a 19-point cushion, 32-13, with 8:54 left in the first half. The Owls fought their way back, thanks to a 21-10 run, and trailed by just eight (42-34) at the intermission.
 
Eureka surged again in the second half, reaching its largest lead of the game – 20 points (68-48) – with 6:36 remaining to be played. Once again, The W mounted a comeback bid over the next four minutes - drawing to within 10, 73-63 - after Jackson Corey came off of the Owls' bench and buried a trey.

But The W would get no closer.
 
The game was actually fairly tidy, with both teams in single-digit turnovers (8-7 in favor of EC), similar totals in both field goals made (MUW- 25, EC- 26) and three-point baskets made (MUW-8, EC- 7). The difference came down to free throws, after The W was whistled for 21 fouls to 11 by the Devils. That resulted in Eureka converting 20-of-31 free throws, with MUW getting just 14 chances and making seven.
 
Tyson Smithey led the Owls with a season-high 16 points. Smithey shot 5-for-12 from the floor – including a pair of threes – and went 4-for-4 from the charity stripe. He also made eight rebounds, five on the offensive glass.
 
Chris Evans and Dariun Doss each tallied eight points. The duo grabbed seven and five rebounds, respectively, as well.
 
Andrew Shepherd and Josh Dukes booked seven points, apiece. Each also dished off two assists, with Dukes hauling in five caroms.
 
Cam Smith led the Owls' team with nine rebounds.
 
The W will next be in action at home on Thursday (Feb. 8/7:30 p.m.) versus Spalding University.