EUREKA, Ill. -  The first time Mississippi University for Women faced Eureka College in Columbus, the team earned a 13-point win on January 6. But the tables were turned in Saturday's St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SLIAC) road rematch,74-69, at EC's Bollwinkle Arena.
 
The loss dropped the Owls to 6-12 (5-9 SLIAC), while the Red Devils improved to 5-16 (3-11 SLIAC). EC also snapped its 11-game losing streak by topping MUW.
 
A slow start by The W – the Red Devils led 10-0 in the first three minutes – and missing second-leading scorer Zoe Essary (illness) for the second-straight game, had MUW fighting an uphill battle. The Owls spent the bulk of the afternoon playing catch-up, down by 12 at the half (37-25), before finally tying matters at 65-65 on a Jas Patrick three-ball with 2:33 left in the game.
 
But all that effort spent climbing back may have drained MUW, as the Red Devils outscored The W, 9-4, to close out the game.
 
Claire Leak had her best game as an Owl, with a season-high 26 points and 10 rebounds, for her second-consecutive double-double game. Leak was 11-of-25 from the floor, including a pair of treys, to lead a quartet of double-digit scorers for MUW.
 
Conley Langford added 12 points and made a bit of history along the way. It was Langford's 26th consecutive game with double-figure point totals, surpassing Rokila Wallace's (2018-19, 2021-22) previous mark of 25. Langford also pulled down six rebounds in the loss.
 
Freshman Leileigh Moody matched Langford's 12 points, hitting 5-of-10 from the field. Fellow frosh Darby Pitts booked 11 points, pulling down five boards, as well.
 
Patrick also snared five caroms for MUW.
 
The W returns to action at home on Thursday (Feb. 8/5:30 p.m.), hosting Spalding University.